How to Prevent & Get Rid of Carpenter Ants & Their Painful Bites in Ocala, FL
The carpenter ant is largely found throughout Florida and they are one of the most common indoor pests in Florida. Colonies can have up to eight thousand ants! The winged females can be as large as ¾ inch and they are bi-colored. Red and black carpenter ants have black abdomens with reddish-brown thoraxes and heads. They make nests mostly around man-made structures that have leaks of humidity and are considered one of the most serious structural pest species. As these ants remove wood to nest they don’t eat it but it can cause severe damage as they dig smooth tunnels within the wood making it weaker. They feed on dead and living insects and plants, sweets, honeydew, meats and other items found in the home. If you find ants in the home they’ve found moisture and sweets. Finding an infestation in your home means you most likely have a satellite colony that has been set up because they found safety, warmth, food and water. They will nest in decaying wood, moist areas and other structures that offer temperatures that are consistent and offer protection from the elements and predators which is why our homes are ideal.
Carpenter Ant Bites
Carpenter ants can bite if nests are disturbed or in self-defense. They’re bigger than other ants, so the bite can be painful and can possibly break the skin. They also spray formic acid that will increase the pain as it gets into the bite. Because they can give painful bites and cause structural damage, they need to be controlled.
How to Prevent & Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
To keep carpenter ants out of your home you need to remove sources of moisture and standing water as they’re attracted to them. Any tree branches that are close to your home need to be trimmed away from your residence. Seal any gaps or cracks that you find with silicone caulk that allows them access into your home. Firewood and any building materials need to be stored away from your home because they will use these items to build nests. Do regular inspections on your property for any signs of an infestation by looking for small openings on wood surfaces with piles of sawdust below them. Finding the nest is key in eliminating a colony as it contains the queen, a lot of the workers and winged reproductives. This can be difficult though. Applying insecticidal spray or dust can be very effective if it’s don’t the right way. If not, it may cause the nest to move to another location. If the nest isn’t easy to get at you can use baits. They can be placed along the trail where foragers will take it back to the nest for feeding. They are known to be finicky eaters so this method might be less effective. It’s a good idea to
hire professionals.
Carpenter Ant Control
Carpenter ants are very difficult to get rid of. The nest needs to be found and the entire colony needs to be destroyed. Getting rid of the satellite colony will have them coming back and re-infesting your home. If too much time passes with an infestation it can cause serious damage to a structure which leads to very expensive repairs. Contact Pest 911 for more information on carpenter ants and to set up a consultation about any problems you’re having with them.
