There are approximately 100 kinds of ants in Canada, some of which are structurally destructive and can live in or near your home. The black carpenter ant, pavement ant, pharaoh ant, Argentine ant, and thief ant are all common structure-infesting ant species found in Canada. Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants are the most common ants in Canadian dwellings. The black carpenter ant is the largest and most prevalent ant species that causes structural damage. Here is an ultimate guide to carpenter ant control in Maple Ridge.
Carpenter Ants: What Do They Look Like?
Have you ever gone on a walk around the neighborhood and spotted those very enormous black ants with wings? You’ve probably just run into a carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are one of the easiest ants to identify owing to their black color and enormous size.
– Their sizes range from 14 to 12 inches, making them a large ant to deal with.
– Their appearance is often dark, with black being the most frequent.
– Swarmer carpenter ants, both male and female, have wings, while the queen and worker ants do not.
– These ants have a heart-shaped head, rounder thoraxes, and bigger abdomens than other ants.
– Carpenter ants, like other ants, have six legs and two antennae.
Habitat Of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants prefer damp wood, but if necessary, they may seek shelter in dry wood. Kitchens and bathrooms are ideal habitats for these bugs because leaking faucets from sinks and toilets give them all the moisture they require. They are also known to build their nests around inadequately sealed window frames and chimneys, as well as near any roof leaks.
These ants will bore tunnels through both dry and wet wood, constructing nests in whatever exposed wood they come across. Wet or damaged wood is easier for them to gnaw through, but good wood may still be a feast. Carpenter ants create nests in the same way as termites do, except they do not consume the wood they bore through. They just eat it and spit it out of their paths, dumping it through pre-existing fissures and crevices in the surrounding wood.
Effective Tips To Control Ant Infestation in Maple Ridge
Carpenter ants can be difficult to get rid of and keep away. Here some ways to keep them away :
i) The best approach to keep them under control is to remove and destroy their nest. Carpenter ants are not only irritating, but they are also intelligent. They have distinct smell patterns, so if you can pick up on their activity, you can quickly locate the nest.
ii) They have distinct smell patterns, so if you can pick up on their activity, you can quickly locate the nest. When eliminating carpenter ant nests, however, exercise caution. They will bite if they are disturbed! They can also spray a defensive chemical into the bite wound, exacerbating your discomfort.
iii) Getting rid of any sources of moisture or standing water around your property can also assist to keep these pests away from your home. Replace any damaged wood and fix any faulty plumbing. Wet wood and the sort of damage that attracts carpenter ants might be caused by faulty plumbing. Repair any plumbing problems, such as blocked gutters, to prevent water from accumulating near your foundation, and replace any water-damaged wood.
iv) Repair damage to the foundation and exterior-facing walls to keep ants away. To prevent ants from entering your home, caulk any cracks, fissures, and gaps near plumbing and utilities. Install door sweeps on exterior-facing doors and mesh coverings on vents to take it a step further.
Conclusion
Because of the nature of carpenter ant colonies, it is critical that treatments reach the core of the colony in order to be successful. As a result, dealing with a carpenter ant infestation is best left to the specialists. If you come across a carpenter ant in your home, don’t walk on it or spray it. While there are methods for getting rid of carpenter ants on your own, they can be difficult. Call ASM Pest Control, your dependable pest control company, to take care of your carpenter ants right now!
