Carpenter Ants

Professional Carpenter Ant Pest Control Pittsburgh PA

When it comes to insects, it is difficult to ignore the carpenter ant. Why? Well, when you consider the insect as one of the most influential species in the world. An encounter is bound to happen at some point. Regardless of which age group you belong to, it is likely you have encountered at least one carpenter ant during your lifetime. The ant species, itself, can be found just about everywhere throughout the United States and Canada.

The first black carpenter ant was identified in 1773. Scientists deemed the larger than normal carpenter ant “Camponotus pennsylvanicus. As the first ant to be identified in North America, the black carpenter ant has tirelessly worked to colonize all around the globe. So, it is possible you have encountered one of these insects with or without your knowledge.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of Carpenter Ant Infiltration?

Every home and business in North America is at risk of carpenter ant infiltration and infestation. Carpenter ants colonize with thousands of members – workers, the queen, soldiers, winged swarmers, and wingless swarmers.

• Visual Live Insects – 0.5-Inch black, dark red, and reddish/black carpenter ants foraging for food in the kitchen. These insects devour and collect small particles of food to ingest and save for the primary colony
• “Frass” Trail – The byproduct of carpenter ant gnawing wood and wood structures has been deemed by scientists as “frass.” Frass is nothing more or less than sawdust. Frass trails along pathways and in working areas
• Audible Noise – Some witnesses believe working carpenter ants generate a “rustling” noise that is audible through thin walls
• Live Winged Swarmers – Winged swarmers are responsible for building the colony’s food supply. They are also responsible for building new carpenter ant colonies separate from the primary colony

Why Is My Pittsburgh Home Under A Carpenter Ant Attack?

The food supply in the natural habitat begins to wear thin, carpenter ants will initiate home infiltration attempts. While most of these attempts will lead to nothing, others will result in a mild, moderate, or severe infestation. Unlike bed bugs, carpenter ants do not even bother hiding their presence. They could care less if their victims discover the infiltration. So, business as usual for the carpenter ant satellite colony, the colony of carpenter ants infiltrating a commercial, industrial, or residential setting.

Small cracks, gaps, and holes are utilized in carpenter ant infiltration. Access points are commonly found around a weak door frame and window frame, exposed crawlspace and/or basement vent, and air conditioning duct.

Do Carpenter Ants Spread Disease?

Carpenter ants have not been connected to human or animal diseases. However, the ant species have been associated with carpenter ant-borne illnesses, such as Shigella, salmonella, and E. coli. These originate from contaminated food and water sources.

When carpenter ants infiltrate a residential or commercial setting, they are generally in search of food and/or water. If you consider the carpenter ant’s extensive travels, there is no doubt, the insects travel through contaminated waste and other materials. Keeping this in mind, contaminated debris is ingested and later deposited in the household food supply. If an unsuspecting member of the family consumes the contaminated food, the onset of salmonella or Shigella will appear with a few hours, in many cases.

What Is The Most-Recommended Carpenter Ant Extermination Solution?

Carpenter ant infestations almost always involve a satellite and main colony, with both connected as one. The satellite colony is only temporarily separated from the main colony, as the carpenter ant workers hope to return to the main colony with a large food collection.

A carpenter ant colony can up to tens of thousands of members. Workers and winged swarmers are mainly a problem for property owners. Our recommendation is professional pest control, which combines routine visual pest inspections, adhesive pest traps, and an industrial-strength insecticide.

Do You Recommend Over-The-Counter Pesticides For Carpenter Ant Infiltration?

Do-it-yourself pest control works great in mild carpenter ant infiltration, in some cases. However, it is not recommended when there are obvious signs of a full-blown infestation. Over-the-counter pest control products are low-strength formulas designed to eradicate a handful or more of carpenter ants in each treatment

OTC pesticides are far from being cheap, especially brand-name formulas. When you consider, a carpenter ant infestation will require at least two separate treatments, utilizing two pesticide containers, the cost will continue to increase with each treatment. In the long run, it is possible to save money with professional carpenter ant management that normally only requires two separate treatments. When we write an estimate for our professional pest control services, it includes enough industrial-strength pesticide for two treatments, labor, and other necessary fees.

When Can I Expect The Exterminator To Arrive At My Pittsburgh Home For The Inspection?

Once your carpenter ant inspection is submitted, received, and processed, one of our customer support team members will contact you via email, text, or cellphone. We will arrange an appointment that best suits your scheduling needs and preferences.

Our professional pest control service request processing takes up to 48 hours to complete.

Does Carpenter Ant Pesticide Harm The Environment?

It is true, chemical pesticide formulas do contain environmental-unfriendly ingredients. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has addressed the safety risks associated with these products. As part of an effort to protect the environment during pesticide treatment, the federal agency developed guidelines that require manufacturers to seek approval for their pesticides and insecticides.

What Is The Best Way To Minimize The Risk Of A Repeat Infestation?

Seal all access points utilizing a waterproof sealant. We work extended hours to deliver a top-rated pest management service to the City of Pittsburgh. Be sure to take advantage of our free carpenter ant inspection with or without a one-on-one consultation.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.