CALL 
July 22, 2022
In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a significant uptick in carpenter ant activity in and around homes, and really, it’s not all that surprising given that it’s been quite warm and there’s plenty of food to feed a growing colony. If you’re worried about carpenter ants infesting your property, read on to learn more about this wood-destroying ant including how to identify carpenter ant damage, what you can do to make your home and property less attractive to these pests, and how our local pest control company can solve your carpenter ant problem.
How are carpenter ants destructive?
Though carpenter ants aren’t as destructive to Maine homes as termites are to homes in states to the south of us, they are a serious problem and one that should be taken seriously by homeowners across Maine. A carpenter ant infestation left untreated can cause extensive damage when they move indoors. Carpenter ant damage is easily mistaken for water damage because it can cause:
- Doors to stick
- Window frames to swell
- Walls to bulge
- Floors to sag
Additionally, carpenter ants don’t eat the wood they tunnel in so you might notice small holes in walls, window sills, and baseboards as well as piles of shavings under those holes where the ants pushed out the sawdust they created during their excavation work.
If you’ve found damage in your home that you think might be from carpenter ants but aren’t exactly sure, we recommend scheduling a home pest inspection.
How to make your home less attractive to carpenter ants
Carpenter ants love wood that has a high moisture content – the more rotten, the better! That’s because wet wood or rotting wood is softer and easier to penetrate. Unfortunately, Maine homes often have damp basements or crawl spaces, poor ventilation, and areas with high humidity. And if there’s ever been a leak – whether in the roof or under an appliance – there’s a chance water damage is present.
In order to discourage these big ants from infesting your home and property, we highly recommend the following carpenter ant prevention tips:
- Run dehumidifiers in rooms with excessive moisture
- Improve ventilation wherever possible
- Replace water-damaged wood
- Seal cracks, gaps, and openings from the ground to the top of the house
- Remove rotting and decaying trees, stumps, and other organic material from your yard
- Keep gutters clean and free of leaves, twigs, and other debris that clog them
If it’s too late and you’ve discovered large black ants in your home, uncovered a carpenter ant nest in your shed, or found these wood-destroying ants elsewhere on your property, reach out to Pine State Pest Solutions for help!
Contact Pine State for the best carpenter ant control services around
Offering effective carpenter ant control in Auburn, Portland, and Saco as well as throughout our multi-county service area, our local pest control specialists will inspect your home for signs of carpenter ants, damage, and conducive conditions and then, based on our findings, implement a plan of action that would likely include:
- Interior carpenter ant treatment, if necessary
- Exterior treatment
- Follow-up services to ensure your carpenter ant problem has been resolved
For even greater protection from carpenter ants AND other common house-infesting pests, consider signing up for one of Pine State’s year-round home pest control plans!
*initial start-up fees may apply.
Subscribe