Are you interested in getting rid of ants near Dublin ? Carpenter ants are common throughout North America, and in the United States alone, there are 24 different species that can cause damage to wooden structures.
Carpenter Ant Identification
The presence of the worker ants is the clearest sign of a carpenter ant infestation on your property. Because there are so many species of these pests, it can be challenging to distinguish them from other ants. These insects can differ in both size and color, and the appearance of ants within a single colony can vary. Carpenter ants can appear yellow, orange, red, brown, black, or a combination of black and red, and they can range from about 3 to 13mm in length. In some cases, you can identify a carpenter ant infestation by spotting the shavings that they sometimes leave behind beneath items made from wood.
Carpenter Ant Damage
Because both affect wood, the damage caused by carpenter ants and by termites are frequently mistaken for one another. Carpenter ants damage wood to make room for their nests, while termites eat wood for nutrition. To distinguish between a termite and carpenter ant problem, youâll need to examine the hollowed wood. Ant colonies are typically polished and clean inside, and also feature holes through which the insects dispose of debris. Subterranean termite colonies are often muddy or contain dirt. The ants prefer to attack decayed wood for the better temperatures and humidity levels that it provides. Although these ants donât live off of the wood, they can damage structures where they nest for years at a time if the colony is active. Additionally, one colony can potentially split off into several more, which will continue to weaken the structure.
Carpenter Ant Control
If left untreated, carpenter ants can end up causing severe damage to a building. If you suspect you have a carpenter ant colony in your home or building, experts advise calling a pest control company as soon as possible. The faster that you pursue pest treatment for these insects, the less damage they will be able to do to your property.