Why Do I Have Carpenter Ants On My Phoenix Property?

Ants are among the most common pests found on commercial or residential properties. Carpenter ants are usually ¼ to ½ inch with a red or black appearance. They are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, mulch, and similar materials. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not actual eat wood. One sign of their presence is when winged swarmers assemble as part of the mating process. Carpenter ants develop through multiple stages to adulthood as eggs, larvae, and pupae.

What Attracts Carpenter Ants? 

They will most commonly eat honeydew, plant juices, and insects; however, they will also consume food that we eat, such as sweets and meats. They rely heavily on water for survival, making it essential to promptly repair leaking spigots or plumbing and remove any pooling or standing water. Most of their foraging activity occurs after dark, and you might hear rustling sounds in areas of walls, floors, or ceilings.  

Formation Of Satellite Or Secondary Colonies

As colonies of carpenter ants expand, they will create new auxiliary nests. These colonies are often positioned nearby as long as sources of food and water exist. As they burrow through wood, small sawdust-like piles can accumulate below the entry holes. When this activity occurs within a home or business, structural damage can develop. 

Best Ways Of Preventing Them

Successfully preventing carpenter ants generally requires a comprehensive approach. Some of the best practices include:

• Trim back tree branches, shrubs, or other vegetation that is hanging over the property. 

• Avoid storing firewood or types of construction materials near the home’s exterior and remove fallen debris from the yard.

• Closely inspect the exterior of the property for any possible points of entry. These might include cracks in the foundation or damaged seals near doors or windows, all of which you should fill with a strong sealant.

• If water damage occurs to wooden areas of the home, such as in basements or crawlspaces, the structure should be replaced, dried out, and properly dehumidified. 

The Importance Of Seeking Assistance From A Licensed Professional 

As with the majority of pest-related problems, intrusions by carpenter ants will worsen if left untreated. Failing to take swift action can result in more costly property damage that otherwise could have been avoided. Do-it-yourself treatment options are generally ineffective once these pests have made themselves at home.

Many store-bought solutions such as perimeter sprays, penetrating foams, and multi-purpose granular baiting systems deliver lackluster results and create frustration. The best course of action is to contact a local exterminator with the proper knowledge and tools to quickly and thoroughly eliminate these concerns. 

Leading Extermination Company In Phoenix

If you’re dealing with pest problems in Pheonix, get in touch with Green Home Pest Control. We are very familiar with how these unwanted intruders infiltrate properties and the best ways of completely removing them from the premises. 

As a family-owned and operated organization, we recognize the importance of using safe treatment options that will not harm you or our local environment. We invite you to contact our office today for a free onsite inspection, and be sure to ask our representatives about a $50 initial service discount and any other current special offers!