Carpenter Ants Can Be Detrimental To Your Home In Sioux Falls

Ants are pests that are so prevalent they almost don't seem noticeable. That is until they become a problem inside of your home. Ants in Sioux Falls are some of the most invasive pests, and while you might not think about them or find them that scary if you see them, they can be difficult to get rid of and sometimes destructive. While some ants in Sioux Falls aren't as bad as others, one of the most destructive species you should be aware of is the carpenter ant. These ants can damage wooden structures around your property, so it's important to know how to prevent them.

Signs Of Carpenter Ants On Your Sioux Falls Property

Carpenter ants excavate wood to create their nests, and each nest can contain around 20-50 thousand individual ants. It can be difficult to identify carpenter ants at first because they tunnel into the wood and don't usually emerge. However, you might see them occasionally as the infestation grows.

It's often easier to identify carpenter ants by other external signs such as carpenter ant damage. You should look out for small openings on the surface of various wooden objects. Ants will use these holes to push out shavings of wood. These shavings will look like sawdust. You might also find bits of insulation piled up under the holes. 

As the infestation grows, you might start to notice things like rustling noises coming from the inside of walls, and you could end up seeing the ants, especially those responsible for reproduction. These ants have wings.

The Extent Of Damage Carpenter Ants Can Do To Your Property

Carpenter ants can do damage similar to termites, but they don't actually eat the wood as termites do. Instead, they just tunnel through wooden objects to build their colonies. Overall, they aren't usually as destructive as termites, but they can still cost you a lot of money in repairs.

Carpenter ants tend to prefer wooden items softened by moisture or fungus. They are especially likely to be found inside soft or rotting wood. These ants commonly invade the wood in outbuildings, sheds, decks, porches, and also inside homes. 

How To Keep Carpenter Ants Away From Your Sioux Falls Property

In order to prevent and control carpenter ants, the best thing to do is contact the pest control experts at Olson's Pest Technicians. But, you can also take some steps on your own to deter these destructive pests. 

Some of the best carpenter ant prevention tips include:

• Focusing on moisture problems: Start by getting rid of any water-damaged or rotting wood around the yard or inside your home. Then, clear up yard debris like mulch and ensure that rainwater can drain. On the inside of the house, fix leaky plumbing and use dehumidifiers.
• Removing access to food sources: Carpenter ants don't eat wood, but they will be attracted to other food sources. Start storing pet food in sealed containers and make sure to regularly clean kitchen areas. 
• Sealing up entry points: Keep ants from getting inside your home by keeping wooden structures such as porches and decks stained or painted. Also, repair or replace broken screens in doors and windows. 

Learn more about how to control carpenter ants by giving the professional pest team at Olson's Pest Technicians a call today.