What Every Manchester Resident Should Know About Carpenter Ant Control

Carpenter ants in Manchester can be an infestation that is hard to eliminate but not impossible. If you have found a few carpenter ants in your home and want to know what to do about it, this article will give you all the information you need for carpenter ant pest control in Manchester.

How To Tell If The Ants In Your Home Are Carpenter Ants

To tell if you have a carpenter ant infestation, look for the following characteristics:

• Black, red and black, or dark brown
• About 3/8 of an inch long
• A relatively narrow body, with a single node on the thorax (the section between the head and abdomen)
• Bent antennae

The ants live in colonies in large nests made from chewed wood. These nests are often inside dead trees or stumps but may also be in the ground or under structures such as porches and decks. Carpenter ants will also nest inside homes, using cracks and holes to gain entrance. They prefer moist conditions with temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Carpenter ants with wings on your Manchester property are not just worker ants; they are also the ones responsible for reproduction in the colony.

Why You Don't Want Carpenter Ants Around Your Home

Carpenter ants in your house will chew through wood in search of food or water sources inside your home's walls or ceiling joists, causing significant damage if left untreated for long periods.

In addition, you may notice carpenter ant frass in your home around windows, doors, and cracks in your walls or ceilings where the ants are nesting. This frass looks like sawdust and is evidence of the damage they are causing by chewing through wood. An infestation can lead to water damage inside your home due to rain seeping into cracks in the exterior wall surface.

Carpenter ants typically nest in moist areas of your home and can spread dangerous bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli and salmonella, on their bodies or in their feces. 

While these insects are not typically known for being aggressive, they can still be dangerous if you disturb their nest or try to handle them without wearing proper protective gear. 

Do Carpenter Ants Bite?

Carpenter ants will not bite humans unless provoked by having their nest disturbed. Their strong mandibles are capable of causing pain when they pinch and will even sometimes break the skin. Some species of carpenter ants will spray formic acid at their attackers if threatened. If this acid gets into a wound, it can sting and cause pain and swelling; this can also cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. If carpenter ants bite you, it is important to clean and disinfect the wounds immediately.

Let EcoChoice Termite & Pest Control, LLC Help With Your Ant Problem

If you're a homeowner, we understand that pest control isn't something you want to think about. It's not pleasant, and it's one of those things you think you can easily put off until later, meaning the problem will only get worse. 

EcoChoice Termite & Pest Control, LLC is a family-owned company that has served the Manchester area for over 12 years. We offer a full range of services for both residential and commercial pest control customers.

Carpenter ants can be a big problem, but they don't have to stay that way. With the right team on your side, you can quickly get rid of carpenter ants for good. If you need help with your ant problem, call EcoChoice Termite & Pest Control, LLC today!