3 Signs Carpenter Ants in Elizabeth City Leave Behind (Don't Worry We Can Help)

Most ants are pretty small. A single ant doesn’t often look problematic, but don’t be fooled! Carpenter ants may look similar to other house ants, but they can cause big problems. While most species of ant are considered more of a nuisance pest than anything else, carpenter ants can cause significant damage. Luckily, our experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Solutions have the tools and experience to help you control your carpenter ant problem before it gets out of hand.

What’s Dangerous About Carpenter Ants?

What’s so bad about carpenter ants? These ants are similar to termites in that they can destroy the wooden structures of your home. However, unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood. Instead, they use wood to travel; they build nests and tunnels and live inside your walls.
 
In addition to the damage they can cause to your home’s integral structure, they can also damage furniture and may even chew on wires or electronics. If left unchecked, they can cause some serious and costly damage around your home.

Signs You Might Have Carpenter Ants:

Before you can call Albemarle Termite & Pest Solutions to get rid of carpenter ants, it helps to learn how to identify them. Carpenter ants are slightly larger than most ants. They can be brown or black in color and live in colonies that can contain up to 50,000 individuals. Here are some signs that carpenter ants may be in your home:

• Frass. Carpenter ants dig tunnels through wood. Their tunnels are smooth and free of debris. While they’re building, they’ll push sawdust, insulation, and even bits of dead ants, out through small holes. If you see holes in wood with sawdust-like material coming from it, this could be a sign that carpenter ants are active behind your walls.
• You may also begin to suspect the presence of carpenter ants because of visible damage. If they’ve been left unchecked for long enough, your walls may begin to bow. Doors and windows might not open as easily, and even the floors could bubble up or the ceiling could droop.
• Before it gets to that point, keep an eye out for the ants themselves. Carpenter ants may come out of the walls to search for food in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you see any ants around your house, let Albemarle technicians come by for an inspection to identify the species of ant and create a treatment plan.

How to Protect Your Home from Carpenter Ants

An important step in carpenter ant prevention is humidity control. Carpenter ants love moisture, and they seek out soft wood which is easier to dig through. If you have excess moisture or water damage in your home, you’re inviting carpenter ants into their ideal setting. Use a dehumidifier to control the dampness in the air and check for leaks and water damage around your home.
 
If you suspect you have a carpenter ant infestation, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Solutions. We’ll be happy to inspect your home and create a treatment plan. Our inspection helps us identify the species of ant, discover possible attracting factors and entry points, and talk to you about treatment options that will work best for your situation.
 
Now that you know the signs of carpenter ant presence, don’t hesitate to reach out for pest control in Elizabeth City.