Carpenter ants in Bartlesville, OK are so named because they create their nests inside of wood cavities that they chew out. They’ll eat away at the wood to create smooth tunnels inside, where they will live and thrive as they continue to eat through the wood.
A full carpenter ant colony when mature will contain anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 workers and more than 50,000 total ants with one wingless queen per colony. Once the colony reaches two years old, swarmers will start to emerge over the summer months to help the colony spread.
The black versions of the carpenter ants are most common, and they’ll generally be anywhere from ½ inch to 5/8 inch long. They also come in combinations of black and red or brown. Carpenter ants do bite, and the bites can cause pain as they inject a small amount of acid into the bite wound. However, the bite is more of a nuisance than anything, and will not result in any significant health risks.
How do I know I have a carpenter ant problem?
It can be difficult to pinpoint a carpenter ant problem early on, because most of their effects are found inside a piece of wood. There is one external sign indicative of carpenter ants, though, and that is small openings that have formed in the wood’s surface. These holes are what the ants use to kick debris out of the wood, so usually these holes will be accompanied by a buildup of debris below them.
Carpenter ants generally prefer to attack wood that has been exposed to moisture over a long period of time, especially if the wood has had a fungus buildup. Addressing soft, rotting wood as soon as you find it can help you avoid long-term issues with carpenter ants.
How to stop carpenter ants
One of the most effective ways of stopping a carpenter ant problem in Bartlesville, OK is by cutting off their water source. As with many other living creatures, carpenter ants require a water source to survive. As we mentioned above, carpenter ants are drawn to wood that is moist and rotting, but also to areas with standing water. This means you should make it a point to eliminate sources of standing water, and improve drainage around your property.
You should also close up any potential access points they might have into your house. Seal up any openings with a silicone-based caulk so they don’t get inside.
Finally, make sure you stack any firewood piles or building materials away from your home. These make common areas for carpenter ants to create their nests, because not only are they large piles of wood, but they also tend to create areas that are cool, dark and moist. By avoiding creating these types of areas, you can also prevent yourself from inadvertently giving carpenter ants a great place to live on your property.
For more information about how you can uncover the presence of carpenter ants in Bartlesville, OK and how to stop them, contact Excellence Pest Control today.