Carpenter ants in the house can quickly lead to a larger issue. It doesn’t matter what type of wood they’re nesting in, they can damage it. This includes your home.
This probably has you wondering what to do about carpenter ants in the house.
It might surprise you to learn that there are 24 carpenter ant species. They have many similarities, but these species may come in different sizes. Homeowners need a
professional pest control company to determine the exact type of ant infestation they have, differentiating carpenter ants from other ant species.
Do Carpenter Ants Bits?
You most likely don’t have to worry about carpenter ants, as they rarely bite people.
If they do bite you,
their bites usually don’t cause any harmful symptoms, although it’s not impossible, especially for someone with allergies. If you do notice a reaction, it could be from a different bug, so it’s always best to contact a physician.
These bugs usually don’t transmit any direct diseases, like fleas and ticks do. This doesn’t mean they’re not a threat in other ways, however.
Carpenter Ants and Foodborne Illnesses
What do carpenter ants eat in the house? They eat human and pet food.
This means that, if they contaminate your food, they can transmit salmonella, especially if these
bugs are in your kitchen. If they access any food of yours, they can instantly transmit bacteria. Their bacteria can also lead to cross-contamination, even if they don’t come into direct contact with any food.
These pests look for protein and sugar. In your house, carpenter ants will commonly seek out pet food, meat, honey, syrup, jelly, sugar, or any other sweet foods.
Do Carpenter Ants Fly?
If you’re wondering about the pests in your home, it’s important to understand the characteristics. Reproductive king and queen carpenter ants have wings.
However, before they find a suitable place to nest, they shed their wings. It’s very common for homeowners to confuse carpenter ants with termites since they have wings.
This is why you should let a professional determine the type of infestation you have. They’re able to differentiate between pests and can look for ways these bugs are entering your home.
How Do Carpenter Ants Get In the House?
Carpenter ants are commonly between ¼ and ½ an inch big. This means they can easily enter your home. One of the most common ways for carpenter ants to enter your house is through any cracks or gaps.
You can seal off these cracks, but carpenter ants can enter your home through electrical openings or plumbing, which makes keeping them out difficult.
These pests also climb along trees and shrubs, making their way into your home this way as well.
Carpenter Ants in the House
Carpenter ants in the house can quickly lead to expensive property damage. Since they’re considered a type of preventative pest,
homeowners usually won’t cover the cost of carpenter ant damage. And considering that carpenter ant damage to your home can cost in the thousands, it’s better to take preventative measures for these pests.
If you’re looking for a professional pest removal company in Sparta, NJ, Serene Property Services can help. We offer a myriad of pest removal services to all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY.
Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.
