Carpenter Ants in the Home: When to Call an Exterminator
In many homes across New England, spring marks the return of carpenter ants. Most of us are used to seeing the occasional ant or two in our home, especially once it starts getting warmer outside. But if you’re one of the many people in Western Massachusetts or Northern Connecticut seeing multiple carpenter ants in your home every day, how do you know when enough is enough? Although many people prefer to eliminate pest problems on their own, carpenter ant infestations are potentially detrimental to not only the value of your home, but your sanity! So, how do you know when to call an exterminator for ants? Here’s the scoop for homeowners in Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, and the surrounding areas.
When to Call an Exterminator for Ants
How Many Ants Do You See? During the spring and summer, you may see the odd carpenter ant in your kitchen, bathroom, or crawling in from your patio. Typically, this isn’t a big deal, and doesn’t mean your house is subject to a full-blow infestation. But if you’re seeing multiple ants every day, or experience any of the signs listed below, it’s likely time to call in the professionals.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
- Swarmers. Carpenter ant swarmers are winged ants that leave the colony in order to establish new nests. These are the ones you’ll be most likely to physically see, usually creeping out from walls, ceilings, or other crevices.
- Frass. Carpenter ants expel wood shavings, called frass, as they tunnel through wood. These fragments may look like sawdust, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see tiny pieces of ant bodies, or shed wings from ant swarmers.
- Sound. With so many ants chewing through woods, it can get noisy! A rustling noise coming from the walls or hollow doors can be a good indication of an infestation.
If you experience any of the above signs, it may be an indication that you have an infestation. If you’re still unsure about when to call an exterminator for ants or any other pests in your home, feel free to give Graduate a call.
