M&H Pest Control Detroit Logo
5/5

Call Us!

Carpenter Ants

Table of Contents

Professional Carpenter Ant Pest Control Detroit MI

Carpenter ants are social insects that colonize to ensure the longest lifespan of the colony. Their distinguishable physical characteristics include a tri-segmented solid black, dark brown, or reddish/black body with three sets of elbow-like legs, and two antennas.

The carpenter ant colony consists of the primary reproductive member, the queen, which is protected by soldiers and cared for by wingless swarmers. The worker carpenter ants spend the majority of their time erecting underground tunnels that lead to and from food sources. Workers are also responsible for collecting food and water for the colony.

The colony also has winged swarmers, with flying capabilities. The swarmers care for the queen and the young until they are ready to set out on a life adventure that takes them to a mate. Carpenter ant-winged swarmers are responsible for establishing new colonies separate from the main colony. This cycle continues to ensure the longevity of the carpenter ant species.

The queen is the largest member of the colony. At about 5/8 of an inch, she spends most of her time reproducing. Her only duty is to expand the colony population to ensure there are enough workers to continue building the colony.

The worker ant is about 0.5 inches in length. Its strong mandibles are utilized to gnaw through wooden structures to make way for underground tunnels and new nests.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of An Carpenter Ant Infestation I Should Know About?

It is crucial, every property owner, tenant, and business know the signs of a carpenter ant infiltration and infestation. Since the insect species are spread out over North America and Canada, everyone should know how to identify them.

  • Visible Live Insects – Live carpenter ant sightings foraging for food in pantries, kitchen cabinets, drawers, and appliances. These insects can also be seen foraging on food-contaminated surfaces.
  • “Frass” Trails – “Frass” is a byproduct of carpenter ants gnawing wood. Frass is nothing more than sawdust, which can be found in working areas and along trails, carpenter ants take to and from the colony
  • Audible SoundCarpenter ants can be heard rustling around when foraging for food and working, according to witnesses
  • Winged Swamers – Winged swarmers are also responsible for constantly refilling the colony’s food supply. They fly low over food-contaminated surfaces, gathering small bits to take back to the colony

Why Is My Home Under A Carpenter Ant Threat?

Every house, apartment, flat, condo, duplex, and townhome is under a carpenter ant threat in Detroit. These ants do not discriminate between homeowners, business owners, and tenants. You can guarantee, carpenter ants are constantly trying to gain access to your home beginning in late April and through early December.

When the food source begins to run dry, carpenter ants will initiate a search for other food sources. If your home has a food source, which most homes do, it will be under constant carpenter ant threat.

To minimize your home’s risk of an ant infiltration, it is highly recommended to close all potential exterior-to-interior access points. Utilize a waterproof silicone to fill in small cracks, gaps, and crevices commonly found in damaged siding, foundation, and air conditioner ductwork.

Do Carpenter Ants Pose A Health Risk To Children?

Carpenter ants do not transmit disease to humans or animals. However, these insects are highly known for their ability to contaminate the human food supply. They do this through contaminated fecal material and debris that attaches to the insect’s body, feet, and hooked claws. The contaminated fecal droppings and debris are dropped into the family’s food supply.

The only way to protect your family following a carpenter ant infiltration is by upgrading your non-perishable food storage system. The transition from manufacturing paperboard and plastic bags to glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic containers is highly recommended.

What Is The Most Effective Pest Control Package For Carpenter Ant Infiltration?

Our exterminators tend to agree that professional pest control is more effective than over-the-counter or do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control. Professional carpenter ant control utilizes an industrial-strength pesticide or insecticide while DIY and over-the-counter (OTC) utilizes low-strength pesticide formulas.

Industrial-strength pesticides are generally not available to the public because they are extremely potent and pose environmental and human health risks. Yes, OTC pesticides contain the same chemicals as industrial-strength formulas, but their potency is minimal, having fewer risks.

When Will The Exterminator Arrive At My Detroit Home On The Scheduled Appointment Date?

Our exterminators will arrive at your home within 15 minutes of the appointment, at which time the carpenter ant inspection will be initiated. We suggest preparing your home in advance by removing all clutter and filling carpenter ant access points.

Does Pest Control Products Pose Health Risks To Humans?

Yes, but only when misused and mishandled. To avoid these risks, our exterminators heed the pesticide guidelines established by the US Environmental Agency (EPA). We have also partnered with manufacturers that have gone through the process of obtaining approval from the EPA for their pesticides and insecticides.

What Can I Do To Prevent Carpenter Ants From Returning Next Spring?

It cannot be stressed enough, carpenter ants cannot infiltrate homes or businesses with strong pest barriers. Vulnerable best barriers, such as door frames, window sills, and foundations are suspect for carpenter ant access points. These insects will also infiltrate homes through openings around air conditioner supply lines, sewage pipes, water pipes, and electrical wiring. To seal these holes, we suggest utilizing sheet metal or plywood cut-to-fit.

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

Our Service Area

Harrison Township, Clinton Township, North Street, Anchorville, Yale, Columbus, Cohoctah, Smiths Creek, Union Lake, Lakeland, Rockwood, Ortonville, North Branch, Armada, Dryden, Davisburg, River Rouge, Lakeville, Gregory, Newhaven, Leonard, Casco, Jeddo, Fairhaven, Capac, Fort Gratiot, Huntington Woods, Hadley, Allenton, Avoca, Clifford, Emmett, Drayton Plains, Columbiaville, Attica, Holly, Imlay City, Otter Lake, Marine City, Farmington, Inkster, Highland, Center Line, White Lake, Berkley, Romeo, Fraser, Grosse Pointe, Algonac, Trenton, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Harper Woods, South Lyon, Ecorse, New Baltimore, Fowlerville, Eastpointe, Goodells, Garden City, Flat Rock, Highland Park, Grosseile, Clarkston, Grosse Pointe Woods, Almont, Metamora, Hamburg, New Boston, Lapeer, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester, Wyandotte, Mount Clemens, New Hudson, Hartland, Marysville, Romulus, Hamtramck, Walled Lake, Southgate, Richmond, Franklin, Hazel Park, Grosse Pointe Park, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Pinckney, Oxford, Utica, Redford, Waterford, Commerce Township, Saint Clair Shores, Milford, Roseville, Dearborn, Macomb, Oak Park, Washington, Westland, Wayne, Clawson, Belleville, Allen Park, Taylor, Riverview, Keego Harbor, Lake Orion, Northville, Howell, Port Huron, Wixom, Ferndale, West Bloomfield, Canton, Madison Heights, Plymouth, Sterling Heights, Brighton, Dearborn Heights, Warren, Novi, Royal Oak, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Livonia, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Troy.

Zip Codes We Service

Testimonials
We Accept:
Google My Business

Fill Out The Form Below and receive a coupon good for a FREE Consultation with a Pest Control Specialist…