Understanding Carpenter Ants and Why They Call Olympia Home

It’s known that ants are some of the hardest-working creatures on the planet, and carpenter ants are no different. Carpenter ants, however, are likely to sneak in and begin renovating your home without permission, the proper permits, bonds, or insurance, and leave you to foot the bill. These critters are capable of doing some serious damage before ever being detected.

Unlike termites, your Olympia carpenter ants do not eat the wood. They’re simply using the timber from your home to build a nest of their own. Unfortunately, they are still a massive threat to the structural integrity of your home’s structural integrity.

Olympia’s moist climate is an inviting habitat for carpenter ants because of their preference towards damp, decaying wood. They do not discriminate when it comes to which wooden structure they’ll go after either. It could be your trees, home, deck, fence, or any other piece of wood on your property.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Identifying a Carpenter Ant Infestation in Olympia

If you’re wanting to manage your carpenter ant infestation, you need to be able to identify the signs before things get too out of hand. Look out for “frass”, a sawdust-like material created by their restructuring of your home, especially near your wooden structures. Additionally, be on the lookout for winged ants and sounds of rustling within your walls.

Here in Olympia, certain areas are much more prone to a carpenter ant infestation like your basements, crawl spaces, and attics because of the higher moisture levels of our climate. Spring and summer mark the seasons of increased ant activity, so make sure to be vigilant in those times.

Risks and Threats of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants can cause some pretty severe damage to your home. They’re known for their ability to carve tunnels through wooden structures which will weaken the structural integrity. They are not just a nuisance, they can easily be the root of some very costly repairs to your property.

Aside from structural damage, carpenter ants can pose health risks to you and your family. They don’t necessarily spread disease like many other pests, but they can bit if provoked. The effects of these bites range from some discomfort to allergic reactions in some individuals.

Preventing Carpenter Ant Infestations

Every homeowner should be taking preventative measures for pests in a general sense in their home. Otherwise, you can find yourself in a lot of discomfort and even in the hospital. Here are some tips from our professionals here at Bigfoot Pest Management to keep carpenter ant infestations out of your home in Olympia, WA:

Tips for Prevention

• Moisture Control: Address any leaks or moisture issues promptly. Carpenter ants thrive in damp and moist environments.
• Seal Entry Points: As with any pest, you should seal any cracks, gaps, and openings in your home’s exterior to prevent them from getting inside.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Carpenter ants love to use your foliage as a bridge into your home. Keep your greenery trimmed to deter them from invading your space.
• Regular Inspections: You should routinely inspect your property for any signs of carpenter ant activity. If you’re still not sure what to look for, contact your local experts in carpenter ant control here at Bigfoot Pest Management for a FREE inspection.

Professional Carpenter Ant Control : Bigfoot Pest Management

At Bigfoot Pest Management, we’ve gone through years of training and experience in the field, so you don’t have to. We’re your local Olympia exterminator ready to solve your pest issues. We offer custom-tailored solutions that combine standard best practices in the pest control industry along with our deep understanding of local ant behaviors. Our comprehensive approach from your FREE inspection to treatment and prevention enables us to accomplish our primary goal: safeguarding your home from these intruders.

Our team employs effective carpenter ant control techniques to eliminate your pests, ensuring that you and your family are not harmed in the process. Contact us today to receive a legendary ant control service starting with a FREE carpenter ant inspection and a FREE onsite quote!

DIY vs Professional Carpenter Ant Control Solutions

While DIY methods might offer some temporary relief to your home, they often don’t get over the line when it comes to tackling the root cause of a carpenter ant infestation. Professional pest control services, like ours, bring specialized knowledge, effective treatments, and ongoing support to ensure your home remains free from carpenter ants.

Take Charge Against Your Carpenter Ants in Olympia

While carpenter ants are persistent, they’re no match for the collective human ability to share information and take informed action. Equipped with some understanding of their behavior, you’ve got some ground to battle these pests and understand when it’s time to call in for some professional assistance.

Don’t let tiny, destructive intruders destroy your home. Contact us today for a FREE pest inspection, and we’ll work for or alongside you to ensure that your home remains a safe haven for you and your family.

If you need help with carpenter ants, contact us today!