What kinds of ants do damage?

Most ants can do some level of damage to your property, even if it’s just building hills in your sidewalks. However, there’s one type of ant that truly does damage: the Carpenter Ant. This species of ant gets its namesake from building nests in wood. In the wild, that’s trees, but in your home, that’s the supporting structure. These ants do damage that can be hard to reverse.

About Carpenter Ants

Ants may be out in full force during the spring and summer, but did you know that carpenter ants are active year-round? That’s right, while other ants die off or become dormant during the winter, carpenter ants can stay active so long as their nests are warm enough. Colonies located in a nice warm location, like your home, can therefore thrive all year long. Carpenter ants chew through wood to create tunnels and nests for their colony. They prefer wood that is wet or decaying that’s easier to bore through. Considering they can do serious damage to the structural integrity of a building, it’s important for all homeowners to recognize the signs that carpenter ants have started to build a nest.

Where ants do damage

There are a few common places ants do damage to your home and property. Here’s where to look and what to do:

• Backyard – Ants build a shelter under rocks, inside decaying logs, and under piles of bricks or wood. Keep your yard well-groomed, and store wood for fireplaces at least 20 feet away from your house.
• Driveway and Sidewalk – Pests like pavement ants love to build tunnels underneath concrete slabs, sidewalks, and driveways. Remove standing water around these areas and repair gutters and downspouts that are damaged to make these areas less attractive for nest building.
• Kitchen – Ants and other pests love to feed on sweets and fruit in addition to grease, oil, meats, and cornmeal. Sticky jars, like jams, are especially attractive to these hungry invaders. Wipe down counters and sweep regularly. Clean up spills and crumbs quickly for the best prevention.
• Bathroom – Bathrooms are typically very moist and therefore highly desirable to invaders. Wood-destroying species like Carpenter Ants and Termites have a tendency to build nests in damp areas. Wood paneling behind bathroom tiles or under sinks and become waterlogged over time. Repair leaks and check under cabinets for areas of moisture buildup.

Use the guide above to keep your home healthy and safe. Our team at Graduate Pest Solutions specializes in prevention. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!