When you think of home-destroying pests, ants are most likely not the first thing that comes to mind. However, carpenter ants are one of the species that are more than just a nuisance. These little creatures are known for the unique places that they choose to build their nests.
If you see carpenter ants around your Dallas home, Texas Star Pest & Termites knows how to help. We have provided pest control for carpenter ants in the Dallas area for over 40 years. Here is a closer look at everything homeowners need to know about keeping their homes safe from carpenter ants.
Why Carpenter Ants Can Be Disastrous For Dallas Homes
Carpenter ants in Dallas are known to live in massive groups and can have over 50,000 ants living in one nest. Unlike other types of ants, carpenter ants don't build their nests out of the soil in the ground. Instead, they make their nests inside wooden surfaces.
Carpenter ants have strong saw-like jaws that can easily tear through wooden objects. They will chew small holes into the wood and continue excavating the wood as the colony matures. The worker carpenter ants are the ones that are responsible for expanding the nest. If you have a carpenter ant infestation in your home, you could have thousands of ants creating elaborate tunnel systems inside the various wooden surfaces on your property. As the colony grows, the wood they are living inside will become less structurally sound.
If you see small, smooth holes in the wooden surfaces of your home, you should have a professional carpenter ant inspection of your entire property. While these ants are usually as destructive as termites, they can still cause a lot of damage to your home if you ignore the problem.
When Is Carpenter Ant Season In Dallas
Usually, in early spring, some of the reproductive carpenter ants will use their wings to fly away from their nest and look for a mate. When they find a mate, the female ant will become the queen of the new colony. This is commonly referred to as "swarming season," it typically starts in late March or early April.
While new colonies might start forming during the spring, existing carpenter ant nests will continue to grow all year. Because these ants usually live inside thick pieces of wood, it protects them from the harsh outdoor temperatures most of the time. However, they have a limited food source during winter, so many carpenter ants colonies will become dormant when outdoor temperatures drop too low.
If you team with a qualified carpenter ant control specialist, they can help you locate all active and dormant carpenter ant nests around your home.
Tips To Reduce Your Risk For Carpenter Ants In Dallas?
If you are worried about carpenter ants invading your home, our carpenter ant removal experts suggest that you try these tips:
- Make sure to keep your crawl spaces and basements well-ventilated.
- Keep your yard well-maintained and free of debris.
- Replace any water-damaged or soft wood that you have around your property.
If these destructive ants have found their way onto your property, a carpenter ant exterminator near you can help to quickly and permanently eliminate them.
Why To Call A Professional Immediately If You Have A Carpenter
It is best if you leave carpenter ant removal to the professionals. If you need help getting these destructive pests out of your home, Texas Star Pest & Termite can help you. Our qualified home pest control professionals in Dallas have been dealing with these ants for decades. Give us a call today to schedule your free inspection!