Carpenter ants are not just a cottage country culprit. They can infest homes and businesses too.  These ants may be larger than other ants, but are they really something to be concerned about?

Carpenter ants infest wood. Unlike termites who eat wood, carpenter ants burrow into wood, especially wood that is rotten or damp as it makes it easier to dig through. As carpenter ant colonies grow, they spread into undamaged wood, which increases the severity of the structural damage they can cause.

The good news is that there are many things that you can do prevent carpenter ants from invading, infesting and damaging your home, cottage or business.

Here are 10 simple things you can do to help protect against and prevent carpenter ant issues:

1. Repair or replace damaged or damp wood on the inside or outside of your structure.
2. Seal all exterior cracks and crevices.
3. Use quality door sweeps and weather stripping on doors and windows.
4. Repair leaking faucets or hoses as soon as they are uncovered.
5. Trim back all tree branches and bushes so they do not touch the exterior of your home, cottage or business.
6. Move firewood away from your home, cottage or business.
7. Sweep, vacuum and mop frequently to keep your floors clean and crumb free.
8. Keep eating areas, especially counters and sinks, clean, dry and crumb-free.
9. Avoid leaving out food uncovered.
10. Store your dry goods and pet food in containers with tight-fitting lids.

There are situations where prevention may not be possible in warding off carpenter ants. If you’re having issues with carpenter ants or think you may have a carpenter ant infestation, we can help.