Carpenter ants are one of the most common pests to deal with in Northern Florida. Because the temperature never drops enough to force them to hibernate, these pests are a year-round concern, and their seemingly endless presence proves frustrating for anyone with an infestation.
Carpenter ants may not sting like fire ants do, but that doesn’t make them harmless. They gnaw away at decaying wood to create tunnels, compromising the structure of your home, and may bite when their nest is disturbed.
With the help of an accomplished pest control service like McCall Service, you can curb these invaders more effectively.
What are carpenter ants looking for?
Carpenter ants often randomly forage indoors for food and potential nesting sites, especially in homes with leaking pipes or poorly sealed roofs. If these pests stumble upon crumbs on the floor, or food has been left out in the open, it won’t be long before the rest of their friends arrive, too.
You should also be mindful of collected or stagnant water, especially where there’s exposed wood, such as wall trim. If you can hear a crackling sound in your walls, that is likely ants tunneling through soft wood that isn’t adequately protected from the elements.
How do I keep carpenter ants away?
To keep carpenter ants away, eliminate the temptation of food by cleaning your dishes, vacuuming where it’s needed, and repairing leaky faucets, pipes, or shower pans. You should also check your attic for any issues that may be letting in ant-drawing moisture. Carpenter ants are also drawn to old, unrepaired termite damage, as the already tunneled wood makes nesting easier for them.
Your trash should remain sealed in a can at all times. Regularly disinfect any surface where food is prepared, and if possible, don’t leave pet food sitting out for longer than an hour. These things don’t guarantee that Florida carpenter ants will leave you alone, but they can help make your home far less appealing.
How To Get Rid of Florida Carpenter Ants
Fortunately, you have a variety of options available if you’ve found yourself with a carpenter ant infestation in Florida.
First, get to the root of the problem. If you have carpenter ants, they’re likely drawn to wet wood that’s easier to break apart with their mandibles (this includes any timber you keep outside). Try to replace the decaying wood, to eliminate the possible nest for the ants and improve the structural integrity of your home.
Seal the Wood
After the wood has been replaced, take up a caulking gun. Locate and seal any cracks you find around your home. This includes the roof, where rain might have found a way inside, creating the problem to begin with.
One of the best ways to see where your foundation is vulnerable is to follow the ants. Also, consider installing door sweeps or seals to prevent ants from entering beneath the gap in your doors.
Protect Your Tallahassee Home with McCall Service
To an extent, you may be able to keep carpenter ants at bay with natural remedies and store-bought solutions. However, these pests didn’t earn their notoriety by being easily dispatched.
For a much more reliable answer to a carpenter ant infestation, choose McCall Service’s pest control and prevention solutions. Our knowledgeable pest professionals will locate the source of the problem and provide the best solution to send the ants plaguing your home packing.
Request a free quote from McCall Service and find relief knowing you’re in capable hands today!
