Carpenter ants are one of the most common and destructive pests in the
Seattle area.
The ants nest in wood by burrowing into damp areas. The ants don’t care
about the wood for food, but just excavate to make room to nest in the
wood. Carpenter ants are most active after nightfall in the spring through
early fall. The species of local carpenter ant in Seattle and the
surrounding metro areas such as Kent, Burien, Bellevue, and Renton, is
large and black with reddish legs. But also have a species that is black
and red in the middle. The reproducing carpenter ants have wings, much like termites. Colonies, which can contain up to 10,000 ants divided among
numerous nests, are composed of a main nest housing the queen and multiple satellite nests. Signs of a carpenter ant infestation may include sawdust,rustling sounds in the walls, tunnels and galleries in wood structures, and trails of the ants. However, it’s entirely possible to have an ant problem and not realize it until major damage has been done.
An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure. Frequently inspect any
wooden structures for moisture or rot. Remove piles of leaves from around
foundations and keep trees trimmed away from the house. Make sure that any openings where pipes or wires enter the structure of the house are tightly sealed. Caulk any cracks in foundations. Also, be sure to fix leaky
plumbing or gutters as soon as possible to keep wood dry and inhospitable
to the ants.
Due to Seattle’s damp conditions, carpenter ants are prevalent. Ants may
find a way into the home in Seattle, Bellevue, or any of the surrounding
areas, even after taking these measures. An initial treatment with periodic
follow-ups will help protect the home and provide a much needed barrier
against carpenter ant infestation. Treating before the ants invade is much
more economical than waiting until there is a full-blown colony creating
structural damage.
Carpenter ant control in the Seattle Area
Note the large ant without wings, that’s called a “major”. They are close
to 1/2” in size. If able to watch the hole in the wood, it would be
possible to see workers throwing excavated wood, insect parts and dead ants
out.
If the owner or tenant is currently battling a carpenter ant infestation in
Seattle, AM Pest Control professionals can locate and treat the main
colony and satellite colonies. The only way to fully destroy an ant
infestation is to eliminate each nest and the main colony. Otherwise, ants
from the main colony will re-colonize areas that have been previously
cleared. Carpenter ants are typically elimanated by injecting products into
the wall voids and applying a perimeter barrier treatment to the exterior
base of the structure. In already infested homes, treating the foundations
is crucial in carpenter ant control.
Carpenter Ants may cause havoc on the home or business. When the
infestation is discovered call AM Exterminators for much needed pest
control needs.Carpenter Ants are controlled through the application of insecticides and sprays in various forms. liquid concentrates, baits, dusts, and foams. Some products for carpenter ant control that are available in stores contain boric acid, an odorless, non staining powder that kills ants and other pests. The active mineral in boric acid has herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. In controlling carpenter ants, boric acid can be a dry powder or a liquid insect bait solution. 98058.