Chandler, Arizona's Complete Guide To Effective Carpenter Ant Control

No matter the type, every ant is a health hazard. These insects harbor loads of bacterial cells and can contaminate surfaces and food. It’s not impossible to develop viruses, salmonella, or other conditions. What’s even more concerning is that several subtypes present further dangers. For instance, carpenter ants grind wood. These pests may destroy your Chandler home or business. Use this guide to build your defense against carpenter ants and learn about Green Home Pest Control's assistance.

How Do Carpenter Ants Behave? What Are the Dangers?

Carpenter ants in Chandler create tunnels and nests in wood. Logs, lumber, and decaying tree bark are some of the things they target primarily. To get indoors, they’ll crawl through holes in foundations, vents, and utility lines. Overhanging tree branches are how they get onto rooflines. When it’s time to feed, they’ll go after bugs and honeydew secretion from aphids. In kitchens, meat, proteins, sugary foods, and pet food will be the focus. You may have an overall pest issue if carpenter ants are around, considering what they consume.    Bases and walls will be ruined from the inside out by carpenter ants. With time, the damage will be visible. While these critters are akin to termites, they are much slower in their operation. However, they’ll cause the same amount of expensive repairs. Another similarity is that carpenter ants will largely stay out of view. If you knock on a structure, they could rise to the surface. That said, you have to keep an eye out for infestation signs: 

• Finding swells of wood shavings mixed with ant body parts 

• Seeing the discarded wings of swarmers

• Noticing soft noises from behind walls 

• Walls that sound hollow when you tap on them

Given their substantial size, carpenter ants will stand out from their counterparts. Their black bodies are 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch long. Several are alternatively brown, yellow, red, orange, or reddish-black. Workers in the colony are distinguished by the chunky mandibles they use to shred wood. Wings outline the frames of swarmers; they’ll fly from nests to procreate and start new cocoons. They’re drawn to light so that you might spot them by windows and lamps.

How To Prevent A Carpenter Ant Problem In Your Chandler Home

Sharpening your exterior maintenance habits is elemental in combating carpenter ants. Having better cleaning practices inside your home or business will help too. Here are some tried and true preventative measures for carpenter ants and other unwanted pests:  

• Patch up openings in caulk, foundations, paneling, doors, windows, and utilities.

• Ensure that window screens, door sweeps, and weather stripping are intact.

• Repair leaks and moisture breakdowns immediately. Begin with those affecting wood. 

• Remove rotting trees and wood. 

• Use airtight canisters for food and trash storage.

• Vacuum rugs and wash dishes regularly. 

• Distance plants and woodpiles from the property by two feet or more. 

• Contact Green Home Pest Control if you notice carpenter ants or other pests that they may consume.

What Can Green Home Pest Control Do About Carpenter Ants?

Retail insecticides and adjacent products are no match for carpenter ants. Individual bugs may die, but an infestation will continue. Moreover, shelf goods can be toxic or hard to use. At Green Home Pest Control, we have safer options that are much more effective. Our expert technicians will employ botanically or organically derived products fashioned for ant elimination. These safe and effective products will eliminate carpenter ants while safeguarding the well-being of your family members and your pets. Reach out to us today to learn more about our recurring pest control options!