Described as destructive, the carpenter ant is an insect that no homeowner wants nesting on their property, or even worse—inside of their home’s structural wood! Carpenter ants are a large species of ant that is usually black in color. They nest outside in water-damaged or decaying wood, fallen trees, tree stumps, and woodpiles. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t feed on the wood they are nesting in, instead, they forage for food in a variety of places like trashcans, compost bins, outdoor eating areas, and inside our homes—traveling back and forth from food source to their nesting site each day.
Once carpenter ants find their way inside your home, usually while foraging, they create a satellite nest inside the structural wood. Indoor satellite nests allow them to be close to their newly-found food source. When these ants do get inside your house, they create several problems:
They contaminate food sources.
They introduce bacteria and pathogens onto food prep areas and the other surfaces of your home.
Over time, their nesting tunnels and galleries create structural damage that is expensive to repair.
They are difficult to eradicate without the help of a professional.
If you see large black ants wandering around your yard or inside of your house, call Pine State Pest Solutions. We provide the customized pest control plans necessary to solve your carpenter ant problem and prevent their return. Pine State Pest Solutions works with homeowners to protect Portland homes from destructive carpenter ants. Call us today!