By Action Termite and Pest Control
Carpenter ants may not be as infamous as termites, but their potential to damage homes is just as serious. These large black ants are common throughout New Jersey and can silently weaken a home’s structural integrity if left untreated. Understanding the threat they pose and the treatment options available is essential for protecting your home.
Why Carpenter Ants Are Dangerous
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites do, but they excavate it to build their nests. Over time, this tunneling can hollow out wooden beams, studs, and other structural components of your home. Their colonies can grow into the thousands, and satellite nests can spread throughout walls, ceilings, and insulation. Damage can be especially severe in moisture-damaged wood, which these ants prefer.
Signs of carpenter ant activity include:
-
Sawdust-like shavings near baseboards or windowsills
-
Rustling noises inside walls
-
Large black ants (especially winged ones) appearing indoors
-
Hollow-sounding wood or structural weakening
Carpenter ants cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage annually to homes across the United States. While exact national figures can vary due to regional factors and reporting methods, here are some key insights:
🔍 Estimated Carpenter Ant Damage Costs:
-
Annual U.S. homeowner damage estimates: Between $100 million to $250 million+
-
Individual infestations: Repairs can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the severity and location of the damage.
🛠 Why They’re So Destructive:
-
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they excavate it to build nests, weakening structural elements over time.
-
They often target moist or decaying wood, such as window frames, decks, attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids.
-
Infestations often go unnoticed for months or even years, compounding repair costs.
👎 Long-Term Impact:
-
Structural weakening over time can reduce home safety and property value.
-
Insurance rarely covers insect damage, leaving homeowners to foot the bill.
Would you like a graphic or a short article summarizing these stats for your marketing or website use?
How Action Termite and Pest Control Treats Carpenter Ants
At Action Termite and Pest Control, we offer a comprehensive approach to carpenter ant elimination:
- 1. Inspection and Identification
We start with a detailed inspection to identify the location of nests—both primary and satellite. Understanding the layout and extent of the infestation helps us create an effective treatment plan.
- 2. Targeted Treatments
We use granular insecticides that allow ants to carry the treatment back to the nest. This ensures that the entire colony, including the queen, is eliminated.
Protect Your Home Before Damage Occurs
Carpenter ants often remain unnoticed until significant damage is done. By acting early, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain the safety of your home. If you suspect carpenter ants or want a proactive inspection, trust the experts at Action Termite and Pest Control.
Call 800-920-0906 or visit www.actionpestcontrol.com to schedule your carpenter ant inspection today.