While most of us celebrate winter turning to spring, it’s also the time of year when many pests become active. That’s certainly true for carpenter ants. They become active in the spring and remain active until fall. In more established colonies, swarmers—winged ants that leave the colony to mate and start new colonies—can appear from May through August in the Northeast.
This species is notorious for creating satellite colonies that move into homes, so it might not be long before you find them roaming around in your kitchen or shed. Their presence can be cause for concern, as they have a painful bite and can cause substantial property damage.
What Makes Carpenter Ants Different?
The biggest difference between carpenter ants and pavement or field ants is their size. Carpenter ants are large and black, although they can be red, brown, or a combination of red and black. They get their name because they love to nest in wooden structures, especially in moist or decaying wood, where they excavate the wood and create tunnels.
Some of the most common places homeowners find carpenter ants include around:
- Windows
- Door frames
- Chimneys
- Wall voids
How Do You Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?
Since carpenter ants need moisture to survive, eliminating sources of moist wood and standing water is your best defense to protect your home against infestations. Other ways to protect your home include:
- Keep trees & bushes cut back away from the house
- Seal all openings with a silicone caulk around windows & door frames
- Store firewood away from your home
What To Do If You See A Carpenter Ant In Your Home?
If you’ve found carpenter ants in your home, it might be tempting to try to take care of the infestation yourself. Unfortunately, these pests can be difficult to control. The best bet is to call Ford's Hometown Services at (774) 418-4908 or contact us online. Our licensed ant exterminators will help eliminate the problem and provide guidance on how to protect your home.