Should I Be Worried About Carpenter Ants In My Sioux Falls Home?

Carpenter ants may seem like your basic, garden-variety insect that's more of a nuisance than an actual threat. But oh no, not these critters. They can cause severe damage to your home if left alone to do their dirty work. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants tunnel through it to create nests, leaving behind a network of pathways that can weaken the integrity of your wooden structures. 

Before you know it, a small infestation can quickly turn into a full-blown invasion, putting your home's stability and your family's comfort and safety at risk. So, if you suspect that carpenter ants have moved in and taken over, it's imperative to take action immediately to prevent further damage.

Fortunately, Olson's Pest Technicians provides the most reliable ant control solutions to eliminate a carpenter ant infestation fast. Read on to learn more about these destructive insects and how Sioux Falls pest control professionals can save the day and your structures.

How Can I Tell If It's Carpenter Ants In My House?

Don't worry if you think you must be an expert entomologist to figure out whether you have carpenter ants in your house. Although these ants are often mistaken for other types of ants, there are clues that can indicate these specific ants have infested your domain, including:

• Piles of sawdust-like material, known as frass, near wooden structures such as window frames, doors, and baseboards
• Faint rustling or scratching sounds coming from inside walls or other wooden structures
• Small, round holes in wooden surfaces
• Shed wings near vents, baseboards, and window sills
• Winged insect sightings in walls, ceilings, or other hidden areas

Carpenter ants are about 1/4 to 1/2 inches long and can be dark brown, red, orange, yellow, or black. If you suspect that these insects have invaded your home, get in touch with a reputable pest control company that specializes in eradicating carpenter ants in Sioux Falls. 

How Bad Is It To Have Carpenter Ants In My House?

Don't be deceived by their name; carpenter ants are not handy or helpful if they sneak inside your home. In fact, these insects are downright destructive and can end up costing you a small fortune in repairs if they're left to ravage your wooden structures freely. They burrow through wood to create nests and galleries to house their colony, which can weaken it over time. And to make matters worse, carpenter ants often build secondary nests in nearby locations, often referred to as satellite colonies, that can be found in areas such as attics, wall voids, or hollow doors. Large nests can cause walls, ceilings, and floors to sag or even collapse, putting you and your family at risk.

Carpenter ants can also attract other pests to your home as they leave behind pheromone trails that can be followed by other insects, leading to a more severe infestation. Therefore, it's essential to address an infestation as soon as possible by contacting professional ant control near you.

Why Do I Have Carpenter Ants Around My House?

You could have carpenter ants for several reasons. These ants are drawn to moist and damp environments, so check for leakage or poor water drainage issues. Carpenter ants are also attracted to wood debris, such as old stumps, logs, and dead trees; food crumbs and beverage spills can also lure these ants. So, swiftly clean up after you eat or drink. Look for small openings ants can use to enter your home and seal them using a silicon-based caulk. Give Olson's Pest Technicians a call for the most effective ant control.

What's The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?

Professional home pest control in Sioux Falls is the best and most effective way to eliminate carpenter ants because experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to identify and treat an infestation at its source. 

At Olson's Pest Technicians, we've been in the pest management field for over 55 years and counting. We ensure that your pest problems are solved to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home. We guarantee our services, so you don't have to worry about the outcome. Reach out to us today to request your courtesy inspection.