Carpenter ants aggressively destroy wood in order to shelter their colonies inside of the wood. Carpenter ants may target trees, dead logs, stumps, homes, and free standing structures for nesting. However, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but instead seek out sweeter food sources such as sugary beverages and meat—which makes homes an especially appealing place to nest.
Identifying Carpenter Ant Infestations
Carpenter ants are sometimes mistaken for termites, but can be identified by their much larger size and their inability to process wood. Carpenter ants are generally about ½ to 1 inch long, whereas termites are only about ¼ inch long. Carpenter ants also leave “frass” or sawdust like material around the openings to nests as the wood is removed to form galleries. If you believe you’ve seen carpenter ants in your home, Massachusetts’s pest control professionals can help to locate the colony and eliminate the ants before lasting damage is done.
Carpenter Ant Dangers
Carpenter ants do not usually attack humans, but will bite if disturbed. A carpenter ant bite will remove small chunks of skin the same way that they remove wood to create their colonies. If a large nest is disturbed, the ants can swarm and cause many painful bites. In rare cases, carpenter ants may cause allergic reactions. Carpenter ants can also cause danger to humans by threatening the structural stability of homes and buildings.
Carpenter Ant Bite Treatment
If bitten by carpenter ants, the area should be washed with soap and water to reduce the chance of infection. Carpenter ants release formic acid, which will cause pain and irritation after the bite. If there are many bites, it may be necessary to seek medical attention to obtain an antibiotic. If there is dizziness, faintness, or fever following a fire ant bite, medical attention should be sought, as these could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Carpenter Ant Control
Getting rid of carpenter ants can be extremely difficult. Carpenter ants will continue to infest an area as long as conditions continue to be favorable. Massachusetts pest control professionals can help to locate the colony, remove or eliminate the colony, and alter conditions so that reinfestation does not occur. Altering conditions may involve eliminating moisture issues within the home and replacing moisture-damaged wood because carpenter ants prefer moist wood to build their nests in.
Contact Bain Pest Control Services in order to eliminate your carpenter ant infestation today!