What would you do if someone invaded your house and started to build a home for themselves in your living room? You would not let this fly. Your living areas are yours and should not be modified by anyone or anything to fit their needs. Unfortunately, every year carpenter ants invade area properties and destroy wood to build their nests. If you are wondering what you should do about carpenter ants on your Oklahoma City property, here are some things to consider today.

Where Carpenter Ants Build Their Nests

You are most likely to find a carpenter ant nest inside of a structure of wood. Unlike termites, however, carpenter ants do not eat the wood they tunnel their homes into. Instead, they push frass out of entrance and exit holes. Carpenter ant frass is a combination of chewed-up wood and fecal droppings mixed together and looks similar to fine sawdust. Something you should know is that these pests prefer to invade structures of wood that are water-damaged, rotting, or in decay. These conditions happen to homes over time naturally and can be addressed with maintenance and seasonal repairs.

How Big Are Carpenter Ants?

One thing that sets carpenter ants apart is their size. How big are carpenter ants compared to other ants? Well, adults grow to be ⅝” long and are red, black, or red and black in color. Most other area species are typically ⅛” long or smaller.

What Attracts Carpenter Ants?

There are many factors that draw carpenter ants to properties. Mainly these pests look for affected wood to build their nests inside. They also check areas for available food and moisture sources before settling down. If your home has any leaky pipes, broken gutters, fruit, berry, or vegetable plants, or general clutter, carpenter ants will be more likely to build a nest nearby or indoors.

How Fast Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Homes?

Carpenter ants are not as destructive as termites. This is for a few reasons. First, they are much easier to identify. Termites stay inside the wood they eat or live underground. Carpenter ants enter homes to scavenge for food and moisture, so they can be seen. The second reason carpenter ants are less destructive is that they sleep. Termites do not. Finally, carpenter ants do not eat the wood they tunnel through. This requires more maintenance to keep tunnels clear. With all of this, do not underestimate carpenter ants. These pests are still destructive and will rack up home repair costs for you faster than you would think. Ant control is essential.

Five Tips To Prevent Carpenter Ants

Use a caulking gun or some liquid cement to fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
Check your window/door screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps to make sure they are in good working order.
Address moisture sources and water build-up around your home as well as indoors.
Keep your living areas as clean and tidy as you can.
Repair or replace structural wood that is water-damaged or rotting.

How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants

If you have recently seen large ants inside your home and suspect they are carpenter ants, do not hesitate to involve the professionals at Guaranteed Pest Services of Oklahoma. We know how to get rid of carpenter ants and we offer a range of comprehensive services to help you identify, eliminate, and control these destructive pests. With over 45 years in the pest control business, you can trust that we will get the job done right the first time.

Call us today if you have any questions about carpenter ants and schedule your Oklahoma City home for a detailed inspection.

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What To Do About Carpenter Ants On Your Oklahoma City Property