New Jersey pest control experts warn residents to expect to see high numbers of carpenter ant infestations in the summer of 2011. Carpenter ants are easy to recognize as they are larger than other species of ants you will see. Their color varies depending on the species. You will find red, black or a combination of red and black carpenter ants. They are about 5/8” long, have six legs, two antennae’s, and are found in New Jersey as well as every other part of the United States.
Carpenter ants excavate wood by making smooth tunnels inside of wood substances in order to build their nests. Carpenter ants are attracted to wet and decaying wood. You will find carpenter ant nests in firewood piles, landscaping timbers, mulch, rotting tree stumps, and even in the ground. These wood destroying pests are in need of a constant source of water to survive. NJ pest control experts recommend that you eliminate all standing water and other sources of moisture where carpenter ants may thrive.
Once their nest is established, any dry or undamaged wood sources become fair game to the resourceful carpenter ant. Always on the hunt for an access point, carpenter ants are able to enter buildings through holes for electrical wires, cracks around doors or windows, shrubs touching buildings, or tree limbs touching a building. Make certain that all windows are sealed on the inside and outside of your home to keep carpenter ants out. Additionally, all shrubs and tree limbs should be cut back so that carpenter ants cannot use them as a virtual highway.
Unlike termites which eat wood, carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building endeavors. Carpenter ants pose a serious threat to homes and businesses. You can effectively eliminate carpenter ants in your New Jersey home by eliminating access points and having a Home Pest Protection Service Plan with Allison Pest Control.