Sometimes it’s the little things that create the most damage. This is the case with carpenter ants, creatures that have a reputation for eating away at the wood of houses, weakening or destroying their structure. In fact, in Quebec, this insect is the only one that can give access to a recourse for hidden defect following the purchase of a building. This just goes to show how bad these ants can be! With the help of this article, discover 1) some characteristics of these ants, 2) how to detect their presence in your home, 3) what to do to avoid hosting them involuntarily and 4) steps to take in case of infestation.<\/p>\n
In Quebec, there are between two and five types of carpenter ants, the best known of which are the red ants and the black ants. As their name indicates, these species are distinguished by their color. However, several characteristics are unique to this type of insect, regardless of species. In particular, they have a very slender waist, a rounded thorax, and are generally 6 to 25 mm long. Instead of eating the wood (a popular but false idea), these bugs tunnel through it, forming their own home inside yours.<\/p>\n
Of course, the most obvious sign of the presence of carpenter ants is to find them in your home. Even if you only see a few, don’t think that an infestation is impossible or unlikely. It could be that the ants you encounter are brave chosen by the queen to search for food and water for the rest of the colony.<\/p>\n
Also be on the lookout for streaks or piles of small sawdust in the house, sections of damaged wood or rustling from the walls: these are other warning signs that should not be ignored.<\/p>\n