Carpenter Ants
…are more serious than you may think!
What is that strange rustling sound and where is it coming from? It almost sounds like the crumpling of paper. In addition, where did that mound of sawdust on the floor come from?
After careful investigation the sound was coming from the living room wall, just behind the TV where a pile of sawdust was accumulating on the floor.
Banging on the wall, the sound continues…what could it be?
Discovery
If you bang on the wall and the sound stops, it is more than likely a mouse, (they will stop to listen). However, if the sound continues, Carpenter Ants do not have ears so they will continue to work; this is the first indication there may be a nest of ants at work within the wall void.
More than likely you have discovered a large concentration of Carpenter Ants (Camponotus modoc) or (Camponotus vicinus) in the wall cavity. The sound comes from their clicking of their mandibles together; this is a form of communication. They mainly use their mandibles to strip unwanted wood as they make tunnels. This wood, frass, is then deposited outside, and near the area they are working. Now you know why you are seeing sawdust behind your TV, and where it is coming from.
They have more than likely been developing this nesting area for the past 5 or 6 years; perhaps even longer. It is that just now their numbers have grown (probably more than 6000 ants) to the point to where their sounds of communication are now very audible.
Cause for Concern?
Of course, the big question is; should you be concerned or will this simply pass and they will go away? The answer to the first question is yes you should be concerned, very concerned. And, to answer the second question; they will not go away by themselves. Their number and the damage they do will continue to steadily increase unless positive control measures are applied.
Keep in mind they are called Carpenter Ants for a very good reason. While they do not eat wood, they do tunnel through it leaving behind what appears to be a fine, glossy tunnel; just like a carpenter would sand a wooden project. While it may be an interesting spectacle to see….they are destructively damaging your home. If left untreated it will cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. This is not a scare tactic; this is reality. Something you need to be fully aware of and understand. No your house is not going to fall down over night. However, by the time, you hear them in the wall or see visible evidence of sawdust piles, the damage at this point, if neglected, will become serious and costly. Now is the time to take some positive and aggressive action to minimize the amount of damage they can do.
What Can I do?
Most products sold in home improvement stores are not effective against Carpenter Ants. The proper use of chemicals takes a great deal of knowledge and skill to mix and place them for safe and successful results. Otherwise, it will turn out to be an exercise in futility; leading to a failed treatment and further damage by the ants. This is one pest problem, that you need to place in the hands of a competent and professional pest control technician.
No technician is better prepared with the latest technology, equipment and safe materials than Merle at Merle’s Pest Control. She knows where they hide; she knows where and what they eat; she knows their favorite nesting places. Merle also knows the proper materials to use, and where, how and when to apply them. She will obtain the best results while protecting you, your family, your pets, and our environment. She has the perfect solution, one designed for your specific home, to solve the toughest pest problems you will ever encounter.
A tree house is fun for kids of all ages. However, when it comes to your home, Carpenter Ants are a very serious concern. Call Merle at Merle’s Pest Control today (541.915.7581) for your front line defense against the destructiveness of a Carpenter Ants invasion. She will protect your home, one of your most valuable assets. In addition, if you have a tree house for your kids; she can protect that as well. For results you will see tomorrow, call Merle today 541.915.7581.