3 Simple Tips For Preventing Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants may be a type of ant, but they can do damage similar to termites. While they do not eat wood like termites, carpenter ants bore through wood, creating tunnels to travel through and nest in. If your home is infested with carpenter ants, you can expect an overwhelming amount of damage. Fortunately, these simple steps can help prevent a carpenter ant infestation.

Remove Moisture Sources

Carpenter ants do want wood and warmth, but they are also on the hunt for moisture. Even a small amount of moisture can attract these ants and a variety of other pests, so you need to eliminate any moisture sources in and around your home.

For example, if you have unused containers or planters around the home that are collecting rain water, remove them to ensure water is not left standing around your home.

A hidden water leak, damp basement or crawlspace, or high levels of humidity due to a faulty heating and cooling system can all lead to moisture issues that attract carpenter ants and other pests.

Trim and Clean Landscaping

You should also focus on the landscaping, especially any landscaping, such as trees and shrubs that are planted close to your home.

Overgrown shrubs not only hold in moisture, but they also allow ants to move from the outdoor into your home with ease, affecting the exterior siding and foundation. Trees with branches laying over your roof can also attract carpenter ants, allowing them to move from the trees to your attic and roofline, increasing the risk of an infestation.

Also, if any of the plants, shrubs, and trees are starting to rot and decay, carpenter ants will be more attracted to your landscape, eventually making their way into your home.

Proper Home Maintenance

Clutter, whether it be a pile of clothes, magazines, or firewood, can also attract carpenter ants and other pests. Although it is fine to have these items in your home, the clutter should be clean and organized in a way that will not attract pests.

Firewood that is improperly stored close to your home's exterior will become wet and appealing to these ants or even termites. Be sure it is stored in a covered shelter away from your home.

Another part of home maintenance is sealing up any cracks and crevices in your crawlspace and home's exterior.

Finally, have your home periodically inspected and treated by an insect pest control service. This will not only prevent infestations, but also treat any pest issues.

About Me

Controlling Pets Indoors

Although it might seem easy to keep bugs from infiltrating your home, it is easier said than done. I have always been a stickler for cleanliness, but months ago I realized that there were some serious issues with our house. We started realizing that the paint was bubbling in some places and the floors were exceptionally squeaky, so we started doing a little digging to discover the source of the issue. We realized that we had termites, so we turned to a team for help. They came through, explained the tenting process, and got started. Find out more about pest control on this website.

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