If you've never dealt with carpenter ants, you may be under the impression that ants are pretty much the same across species. Carpenter ants aren't that different in appearance from other ants, so it's possible to overlook them if you don't look too closely. Unfortunately, this ant species is one of the most destructive pests that can pop up in your yard and home. For more information about carpenter ants, the kind of damage they can do, and carpenter ant treatment with pest control in Orlando, continue reading.
What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Florida's residents are not likely to see reddish-yellow then black carpenter ants in their homes. Regardless of the species or coloration, the most prominent characteristics of a carpenter ant are its large size and broad head, and visible jaws.
Carpenter ants in Orlando, like termites, form colonies made up of a caste system. This means that if you spot a colony, you will see variation between the different castes. Reproductives will have wings, the queen will be easily twice the size of the others, and the worker will be small with large jaws.
The Florida carpenter ant workers have dark red or black abdomens with visible hairs, where the rest of their body may be orangish-red. Florida carpenter ants, unlike black carpenter ants, don't burrow into your wood themselves. They may seek out existing voids and will focus only on soft and rotting wood or styrofoam. While they are not likely to cause the kind of damage that black carpenter ants do, they can and will bite.
How To Tell If Carpenter Ants Are In Your Home
Carpenter ants can be hard to see as they burrow into and live in the wood. However, if you think you may have a carpenter ant problem, look out for these signs of carpenter ants in your house:
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Carpenter ant frass in your home that looks like piles of sawdust with pieces of insects
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Winged ants near cracks and crevices
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Rustling noises inside the walls or woodwork
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Galleries in the wood that are smooth and clean of debris
Black carpenter ants can destroy wood a lot more effectively than our native Florida carpenter ants. While Florida carpenter ants are not an inconsequential threat, they are much more likely to be found in wood that's already damaged and rotten from water damage. If you fear a carpenter ant infestation, look in places with previously-established weathering first.
One of the ways carpenter ant colonies establish themselves in your home is by traveling from other rotting wood in your yard, including tree stumps and dying trees. One of the best ways to prevent a carpenter ant problem from establishing itself in your home is by checking to see if there are carpenter ants in trees around the yard.
How Much Damage Can Carpenter Ants Do To Your Home?
Carpenter ants in other parts of the world can become serious issues for a home's structural integrity. However, the Florida carpenter ant is not likely to infest healthy wood. You are more at risk of a carpenter ant infestation in Florida if you live in an old home, one that hurricanes have damaged, or if you live near the coast and have rotting wooden exteriors or a deck that needs to be replaced. Rotting wood can expedite the damage carpenter ants cause in Florida and increase property damage.
How To Deter Carpenter Ants In Orlando
The best way to deter carpenter ants is to take good care of your exterior wood by replacing rotting or water-damaged pieces. Don't leave tree stumps or other lawn decorations past their expiration, either. However, if you find yourself with a carpenter ant problem, you may be left with no choice but to call for professional carpenter ant treatment.
To get rid of carpenter ants in or around your home, you can trust Green Flag Services. After providing your free quote, we will provide an initial inspection to identify your risks and develop a treatment plan. We can also promise eco-friendly, fast, and effective service to protect your home and the natural beauty of your surroundings.
At Green Flag Services, our five-step process guarantees a pest-free home, or we'll come back and treat it again for free. Call Green Flag Services for guaranteed pest control and guidance for protecting your home for years to come.
Why Choose Green Flag Services?
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We are part of your community and take pride in caring for the residents and businesses of Central Florida.
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Our seasoned professionals bring unparalleled expertise to every pest control solution.
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We stand behind our work. If you're unsatisfied for any reason or have an issue with pests again, give us a call and we'll make it right!
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We are members of the National Pest Management Association and Florida Pest Management Association with over 55 years of industry experience.
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The green inĀ "Green Flag" is to assure our customers that we only use environmentally-safe products for the safety of your family and pets.
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Your satisfaction matters to us, which is why we offer a money-back and a reservice guarantee.
Damage & Determent
How Much Damage Can Carpenter Ants Do To Your Home?
Carpenter ants in other parts of the world can become serious issues for a home's structural integrity. However, the Florida carpenter ant is not likely to infest healthy wood. You are more at risk of a carpenter ant infestation in Florida if you live in an old home, one that hurricanes have damaged, or if you live near the coast and have rotting wooden exteriors or a deck that needs to be replaced. Rotting wood can expedite the damage carpenter ants cause in Florida and increase property damage.
How To Deter Carpenter Ants In Orlando
The best way to deter carpenter ants is to take good care of your exterior wood by replacing rotting or water-damaged pieces. Don't leave tree stumps or other lawn decorations past their expiration, either. However, if you find yourself with a carpenter ant problem, you may be left with no choice but to call for professional carpenter ant treatment.
To get rid of carpenter ants in or around your home, you can trust Green Flag Services. After providing your free quote, we will provide an initial inspection to identify your risks and develop a treatment plan. We can also promise eco-friendly, fast, and effective service to protect your home and the natural beauty of your surroundings.
At Green Flag Services, our five-step process guarantees a pest-free home, or we'll come back and treat it again for free. Call Green Flag Services for guaranteed pest control and guidance for protecting your home for years to come.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
At Green Flag Services, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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We've been using Green Flag Services for a few years now and very pleased with the results, especially since the products are non-toxic to our pets.- Lee G.
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Geoff came out for time pest control service for our home. He is very thorough, confident, and knowledgeable about the pest control business. We will try Green Flag services out for a while and see ow things go. Hopefully, we have found our pest control co- Robert B.
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Joshua not only has great customer service but with my continued service my pest are basically gone. If you are looking to get rid of your Pest at a reasonable price that really works I recommend Green Flag Services.- Jessica S.
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Andrew called ahead before he arrived to let me know when he would be there. They were fast and effective and at a reasonable price. I was looking for mosquito control and his recommendations didn't involve higher-cost services just to sell them.- David W.
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Jeff was professional and knowledgeable. Arrived 5 minutes earlier than appointment time, then after introductions went straight to work.- Bernard B.
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Caleb is the tech and he is friendly and explains things and roaches have gone somewhere else to live which is fine with me!- Robyn S.
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Joshua was awesome and provided great customer service. Very knowledgeable, on time, and nice guy to talk to.- Lauren H.
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Very impressed with Andrew and his company. He was on time, very knowledgeable, very courteous, and did a fantastic job.- Ken R.