Most people see ants simply as a nuisance.

However, in Toronto, there’s one type of ant that should never be dismissed: the carpenter ant.

Carpenter ants can hurt you, even if you cannot see them.

They do not harm humans directly, but they can slowly destroy your home’s structure, and that hurts your family’s safety and your wallet.

They like to eat away at the wood of your home, and by the time you see the damage, it’s going to hurt when you have to pay to fix it.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants?

Size: They vary in size, with worker ants typically ranging from 6 to 13 mm.

Color: Colors can be black, red, or a combination. Some species have a reddish-brown hue.

Body Structure: They have a segmented body with a narrow waist, elbowed antennae, and large mandibles.

Thorax: The thorax is evenly rounded, and the front wings are longer than the hind wings.

Habitat: Look for their nests in damp or damaged wood, including trees, logs, or structures.

You May Have Seen the Signs Already

Most homeowners see carpenter ants in their home. In fact, you probably see them all the time.

They invade your home and come out now and then. You will kill one or two every week.

The problem is, you don’t see the whole colony of them, so you assume there isn’t a real problem.

When you see a single ant on the counter top, you may think you are looking at a different type of ant, such as Pharaoh or pavement ant.

These types of ants are not as destructive as carpenter ants, so you probably don’t put much thought into the fact that you just killed one.

However, you should. A homeowner should always know the difference between carpenter ants and common house ants.

Carpenter ants are responsible for hundreds to thousands of dollars in damage. Worse, CBC reports that older homes and more mature neighborhoods are at high risk for being affected by carpenter ants.

Signs You Have a Carpenter Ant Problem

If you notice the signs of ant problem, get carpenter ant control services in Toronto immediately.

Failing to act could lead to massive destruction in your home’s walls and structures.

Signs You Need A Carpenter Ant Exterminator:

Visible ants: If you see a carpenter ant in your home, you may have an ant problem lurking behind the walls. This is truer if you spot a worker carpenter ant because that worker is out looking for food and ready to prepare the nest for his queen.

Wood shavings: You will spot wood shavings beneath wooden items. Carpenter ants like to burrow into the wood for nests.

Rustling: If you listen to your walls, you may be able to hear a faint rustling sound from the ants cutting their way through the wood to make pathways and nests.

Winged ants: You might witness winged ants emerge from the walls, hidden crevices, and ceilings, telling you that you have a significant infestation on your hands.

What Does a Carpenter Ant Look Like?

Carpenter ants are typically black and sometimes reddish in color.

They are easily mistaken for household ants but are not the same.

They are much larger than average ants, and they are about 3/8 of an inch up to a half-inch in size.

Between their thorax and abdomen is a single node, which helps you tell them apart from other types of ants.

What Time of the Year Do They Attack?

The best pest control in Toronto will tell you that carpenter ants strike year-round, and it’s true.

They love wood, but also warmth and moisture.

So, in the summer as well as the winter, they will crawl their way indoors.

The fact that they are a year-round threat is why it’s important to have year-round protection.

A carpenter ant exterminator in Toronto can help.

With the right service, you won’t have to pay year-round to protect your home, either.

How serious are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are serious pests as they excavate wood for nesting, potentially causing structural damage to homes. While they don’t consume wood like termites, their extensive tunneling weakens structures. Identifying and addressing infestations promptly is crucial. Though not as destructive as termites, neglecting carpenter ant issues can lead to costly repairs, making professional carpenter ant control advisable.

Why am I seeing a lot of carpenter ants?

An influx of carpenter ants may indicate an established colony nearby. They’re attracted to damp, decaying wood for nesting. Common entry points include cracks, gaps, or damaged areas around a structure. Identifying and addressing moisture issues, sealing entry points, and consulting professionals can help manage and prevent carpenter ant infestations.

AREAS WE SERVICE

Power Pest Control has been a quality provider of the best pest control and extermination service since our establishment. It is with great pride and joy we announce that we serve our customers in Toronto and all neighboring areas. We want you to be able to reach us wherever you are promptly and conveniently. Choose your location and click below for additional information.