When it comes to protecting your home in Florida from pests, two of the most common and destructive invaders are termites and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create nests and are large, typically black or dark brown. They prefer moist, decaying wood, often indicating moisture issues. To eliminate them, locate nests, use baits, and fix leaks.
Termites are smaller, consume wood, and live in large colonies, causing extensive structural damage unnoticed over time. Signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes and hollowed wood. Professional pest control is essential for effectively eradicating both pests. Experts can correctly identify the infestation, apply the right treatment, and ensure complete eradication, providing peace of mind and maintaining your home’s structural integrity.
Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create nests.
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species, usually black or dark brown, with some variations appearing red. They measure about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, are characterized by a narrow, constricted waist, and have bent, elbowed antennae. These ants are nocturnal and often found in kitchens and bathrooms, areas where water leaks occur.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't consume wood. Instead, they tunnel through it to create smooth, sanded galleries for nesting. They prefer moist or decaying wood, so finding them often indicates a moisture issue within your home. The damage caused by carpenter ants manifests as hollowed-out wood, often accompanied by frass, a sawdust-like material they push out of their nests.
To eliminate carpenter ants, start by locating the nest. You can listen for rustling sounds in the walls or wood surfaces, particularly at night. Use poison baits that worker ants carry back to the colony, and also address any moisture issues by fixing leaks and removing rotting wood. While these steps help manage the infestation, extensive problems are best handled by professional pest control services to ensure complete eradication.
Termites eat wood and live in large colonies.
Termites are smaller than carpenter ants, measuring about 1/8 to 3/8 inch long, with straight waists and antennae. The most common type, subterranean termites, build mud tubes to protect themselves from air exposure while accessing food sources. Unlike carpenter ants, termites consume wood, feeding on cellulose, a main component of plant material.
The danger of termites lies in their ability to remain undetected for extended periods. They eat wood from the inside out, compromising the structural integrity of houses. Signs of termite damage include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, discarded wings, and cracked or warped surfaces. Since they often go unnoticed, the damage can be extensive by the time it's visible.
Eradicating termites requires targeting the entire colony. Due to the complexity and scope of termite infestations, professional pest control is highly recommended. Experts have access to specialized tools and treatments that ensure effective elimination and long-term prevention.
Call a professional pest company to get rid of termites and carpenter ants.
Determining whether termites or carpenter ants are damaging your home requires a keen eye and expert knowledge. If you're unsure, contacting a professional pest control company is crucial. Pest professionals can accurately differentiate between termites and carpenter ants, ensuring the proper treatment approach is applied. They develop tailored strategies based on their assessment, considering factors like severity and location.
Professionals use advanced tools and methods, ensuring complete eradication and reducing the likelihood of future infestations. Their treatments are applied safely, minimizing risks to you, your family, and your pets. By entrusting the problem to experts, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is protected and structurally sound.
Call us today to schedule our wood-destroying pest inspection service!
If you suspect your property is infested by termites or carpenter ants, we can help you determine the culprit. Here at Royal Pest & Termite, we offer a wood-destroying pest inspection service! This service involves doing a thorough visual check of the structure of your home or business to identify wood-destroying pests and signs of wood damage. You will also be provided with a written report of the inspection! Best of all, we also offer termite control and ant control services to handle the infestation.
This service is offered to homes and businesses, as well as HOAs, in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Davie, and nearby areas in Florida. Call us at (754) 800-5284 to schedule this service!
