Why Carpenter Ants are Still Crawling in DC
11/16/2018
Are you seeing ants in your home? Are you thinking, "Hold on a second, don't ants go into hibernation in the winter?"...
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So, it’s just a little ant, how much trouble can they really cause? We are, of course, talking about carpenter ants. They are one of the largest species of ants in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area, as well as much of the country. Carpenter ants have very strong mandibles that they can chew through wood with. They don’t actually eat the wood, instead, they excavate it to build their nests. Carpenter ants have the ability to cause similar damage as termites, although, not on the same scale as they are responsible for millions of dollars worth of damage to properties, whereas termites cause billions annually.
Are These Large Black Ants Carpenter Ants?
If you see large black ants roaming in or around your home, there is a good chance that you have an active carpenter ant infestation. Active carpenter ant infestations can be difficult to identify because most of the colony will remain hidden within the wood of your home, while only a few will surface looking for new food sources. One of the telltale signs carpenter ants will leave behind is a sawdust-like material called frass. This material is made up of wood debris, along with feces from the members of the colony. These ants are usually black, but they can be red or brown, or a combination of red and black. Most carpenter ants are about 1/8 of an inch long on average but can reach sizes of up to 1/2 inch, the queen, however, can be as large a full inch in length.
Why DIY Carpenter Ant Control Won't Work
Typically, because it's just an ant, you may be tempted to go to the hardware store and grab the first bottle that claims to get rid of carpenter ants. Don’t be fooled, most of the products are time-consuming, messy, dangerous, and are unable to completely eradicate an infestation. Professional pest control is always the best available option.
How American Pest Can Help With Carpenter Ant Infestations
You can turn to the trusted pest control technicians at American Pest for carpenter ant control services you can count on. Our Preferred Care plan can help you get rid of carpenter ants and other common household pests. We will treat your home every other month, and back our services with a pest-free pledge, if pests return, we will as well, and at no additional cost to you. We can usually get there on the same day or day after you call, assuring a quick response to your pest problems. We also promise to only use EPA registered products to promote an atmosphere of safety for your friends, family, and pets. In Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland, call the name you know and trust, call American Pest.
