Maryland and Virginia pest control company, Backyard Bug Patrol, has a blog post on its website that discusses carpenter ants, the damage they can cause in the home, and how to deal with them. The article can be read in its entirety by going to the link: https://backyardbugpatrol.com/pest-control/pests-cause-damage-in-your-home/.
There are many species of insects in nature that feed on wood and plant matter. When introduced to civilization or if their habitat overlaps with that of humans, they continue their feeding habits that most people consider a nuisance. Homeowners often complain of insects burrowing into their homes and causing significant damage to the basic wooden materials of the structure. Some of the pests mentioned in the Backyard Bug Patrol blog post that have an affinity for wood include carpenter bees, powder beetles, and carpenter ants. The blog post briefly discusses the first two, then dwells extensively on carpenter ants.
Carpenter bees typically dig nickel-sized circular tunnels in untreated wood. If such holes are found outside the house, it is a pretty sure sign that the damage is most likely caused by carpenter bees. If the holes are rather tiny and numerous, they could be the work of smaller wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants or powder beetles. One way to determine which of the last two is causing the damage is to look at the type of wood that is being attacked. Dust beetles prefer hardwood and often attack furniture as well as hardwood building materials, while carpenter ants are more likely to target softwood, especially softwood that has rotted or been damaged. by water. Readers interested in learning more about how Backyard Bug Patrol can address their wood pest problem can learn more about the company’s operations in Great Falls, Va. by heading to its Yelp page at address https://www.yelp.com/biz/backyard-bug-patrol-great-falls-2.
The blog post then talks more about carpenter ants, their natural habitat, nesting preferences, social structures, and feeding habits. They are so named because of their tendency to make small nests in wooden structures or crafts. Carpenter ants seek moist places to nest, often in decaying dead tree branches, stumps, tree holes, or landscape woods. Carpenter ants in homes most likely come from satellite colonies. A mother colony can be as far away as the length of a football field, or even further. Typically, they are found in damp areas around windows and doors, as well as in bathrooms, kitchens, pipes, drains, and roof vents. Crawl spaces or attics that are constantly damp or have water leaks can also attract carpenter ants. Like other ant species, carpenter ants will eat just about anything, including other insects, so it’s easy for them to wander around the house while foraging for food. They love proteins, fats, and sugars, and any number of kitchen spills, from pet food to sugary substances, can lure them inside.
The blog post then talks about the conditions in the house that make ripe breeding and nesting grounds for carpenter ants. The blog post advises homeowners that if they have the particular set of conditions described in their home, they can expect to be inundated with a carpenter ant infestation. If the property’s door and window frames are often damp due to leaks or weathering, they can be an excellent destination for carpenter ants who will dig hollow tunnels through these pieces of wood, compromising their integrity. If left untreated, pests can weaken frames and make them easy to break. The same goes for drywall in the house. Walls and attics insulated with fiberglass and other foam insulation can create the perfect shelter for carpenter ants. However, if the walls have cellulose insulation, their outer layer is usually coated with repellent chemicals that will ward off pests.
Readers can message Backyard Bug Patrol with any inquiries and find contact information by following him on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardBugPatrol.
For more information about Backyard Bug Patrol, contact the company here:
Yard Bug Patrol
Yard Bug Patrol
Great Falls, Virginia 22066