If your home is invaded by ants, figuring out their species is probably the last thought on your mind. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to identify them beforehand. Carpenter ants are a common pest for homeowners, especially during the warmer months. The following guide will help you determine when it’s time to call ant control.

Everything You Need to Know About Carpenter Ants

What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are a large species of ant that earned their name from their habit of burrowing through wood to create smooth, complex passageways. They do not eat the wood; rather, they create tunnels for nests and travel to different food sources. Typically, their diet consists of meats, sugars, and dead insects. These ants can live both indoors and outdoors. Because they need a water source to survive, preferred nesting sites include wet or decayed wood. This can, unfortunately, bring them into homes with leaks and moist spaces.

How Do You Identify Them?

Although it can be difficult to distinguish them at a distance, there are a few traits that make the carpenter ant stand out. They are among the largest species of ants, varying in size between three-eighths to half an inch long. Their color can vary between red, black, brown, or a combination of black and red. They have six legs, visible waists, and bent antennae. Most of them can’t fly, but some of them do possess pairs of wings. Lone worker ants can sometimes be found inside homes looking for food in trash cans, pet bowls, or sinks full of dishes with food scraps. If you see winged ants or a sawdust-like substance around holes in interior woodwork, a mature colony may be making a home in your house.

What Should You Do if They’re in Your Home?

If a carpenter ant colony has nested in your home, the problem is much deeper than what you can see. For this reason, it is best to call ant control. Pest control services will inspect your property, locate the nest, and use safe techniques and specialized equipment to take care of the infestation. Regular treatment and prevention methods will help keep your home carpenter ant-free in the future.

If you suspect you have a carpenter ant invasion in your home, get in touch with the experts at Allan’s Of Central KY Termite & Pest Control Co. in Lebanon, KY. Serving Central Kentucky since 1981, this commercial and residential pest control company offers superior solutions for your pest problems. Their highly trained team uses the latest equipment and effective techniques to inspect, treat, and control everything from spiders and termites to rodents and cockroaches. Visit them online for more information about their services. To schedule ant control services, call (270) 692-2215.