Carpenter Ants play an important ecological role, speeding up the decomposition of rotting wood in the natural environment. They also feed on many other insect pests.

However, they do not belong in our buildings, and at some time or other most homes have probably had at least a casual infestation of Carpenter Ants.

These incredibly destructive pests cause structural disintegration by using their powerful, enlarged, jaw-like mandibles to excavate nest galleries in live, dead, or seasoned wood.

Occurrence Of Carpenter Ants In Western New York

Carpenter ants are common in urban, suburban & rural areas of Western New York. The areas most common species is DeGeer - Camponotus Pennsylvanicus - a large black ant about 1/4"-1/2" long. Unlike Termites, they do not feed on the wood, but expel their borings, which accumulate beneath openings to their galleries as piles of fibrous sawdust. You as a homeowner should be on the lookout for this evidence of boring activity, which often reveals Carpenter Ant nesting sites.

Wood that is moist or already in some state of decomposition is commonly prone to attack by Carpenter Ants. However, nests have been found in all kinds of wood - ranging from sound and dry to soft and wet. Leaks in roofing and siding, faulty flashing around chimneys, skylights & gables, poor drainage, and condensation from poor ventilation are often factors contributing to Carpenter Ant infestations.

The full potential for damage to your home depends on how many nests are actually present, and how long the infestation has been active. In general, if activity is noted throughout the entire year, or if the emergence of large winged ants inside the structure is seen, chances are the infestation is at least 2 to 3 years old.

Controlling Carpenter Ants

Common Ant traps are not an effective measure in controlling Carpenter Ants - which, unlike other common ant species, do not rely heavily on scent trails to lead foragers to food sources. Effective Carpenter Ant Control depends on two principal measures:

A Custom Carpenter Ant Protection Plan For Your Home

Carpenter Ant problems are difficult to solve, so the reputation of your pest control company and the  services that they offer should be heavily factored into your purchasing decision.

Good Riddance offers a variety of Carpenter Ant treatment programs, with warranties ranging from 90 days to 7 months. We can tailor a program for you that will meet your needs and fit your budget. Be aware that different pest control companies approach Carpenter Ant problems in different ways, so if you are already using another company, be sure to ask what their plan of attack is and how long their warranty lasts.

The key to successfully eliminating Carpenter Ants is locating and selectively treating the nests directly. Good Riddance diagnostics include:

• Human Inspection – we can detect where external ant trails are and the frequency of their travel up the same path (the first thing we do)
• Listening Devices – we can actually hear the pests chewing wood
• Boroscope – allows us to see inside wall cavities and locate colonies
• Moisture Meters – helps us identify areas prone to infestation
• Perimeter Spray Treatment - applied to the exterior foundation helps prevent re-invasion.

Your Personal Carpenter Ant Prevention Plan:

A number of steps can be taken personally by homeowners to reduce the potential for future Carpenter Ant problems:

1. Correct roof leaks, plumbing leaks and other moisture problems which attract carpenter ants.
2. Eliminate wood to soil contact such as where landscaping has moved soil or mulch up against the wood siding of a home.
3. Clip back tree limbs and vegetation touching the roof or siding of the home. Limbs and branches can serve as "bridges" between carpenter ants nesting in trees and the home.
4. Seal cracks and openings in the foundation, especially where utility pipes and wires enter from the outside.
5. Stack firewood away from the foundation and elevate it off the ground. Never store firewood indoors or in a garage as firewood is a prime nesting area for carpenter ants.

    

   If You Believe That You May Have A Carpenter Ant Infestation Do Not Delay
   The Structural Integrity Of Your Home Is At Risk!
   Call 716-824-2847 For Guaranteed Prompt & Professional Action

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