Carpenter Ants

Our Chicago Carpenter Ant Control – Free Inspection And Consultation

The carpenter ant is a social insect that lives in small to large colonies. The insect’s physical characteristics include a tri-segmented body ranging between solid black, dark brown, and reddish/brown. The mandibles, powerful appendages, are essential for the carpenter ant’s survival. Located in close proximity to the mouthpart, the mandibles are utilized in combat, foraging for food, erecting underground tunnels, building nests, and breaking down decaying wooden structures.

More carpenter ant sightings take place during picnics, chores, outdoor playtime, at beaches, in parks, and mowing the lawn. The adult worker grows up to 0.5 inches long while the queen carpenter ant is slightly larger at 5/8” long.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Carpenter Ant Problem?

• Visual Live Insects – Live carpenter ant workers are commonly detected during food-foraging expeditions on countertops, floors, sinks, and stovetops.
• “Frass” Trails – To make way for underground tunnels and nests, carpenter ants clear away rotting wood structures like fence posts, downed trees, tree stumps, decks, and porches. “Frass” is the byproduct of gnawing.
• Audible Noise – Colonies of solider and worker carpenter ants foraging for food create a “rustling” noise that can be detected through thin walls.
• Winged Swarmers – Carpenter ant swarmers are responsible for caring for the young, building new colonies, foraging for food, and pampering the queen. Swarmers fly over food-contaminated surfaces, swooping down to pick up tiny tidbits, before taking it back to the colony.

Why Do Carpenter Ants Constantly Threaten My Chicago Home?

Carpenter ants oftentimes find themselves in need of a new food source. As the colony grows, the need for more food grows as well. When food becomes scarce, the carpenter ant will begin to target vulnerable homes. Vulnerabilities include access points that are utilized by carpenter ants and other insect species to invade houses, commercial buildings, government entities, and public facilities.

The satellite colony will remain in the home while the main colony is located on the outside. These insects utilize small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices to invade buildings.

Do Chemical Pest Control Products Violate EPA Guidelines?

No, manufacturers are required by law to submit a list of ingredients utilized in their pesticide formulas to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to the ingredients, manufacturers are required to provide proof that their ingredients are safe. This safety effort is designed to protect the environment, animals, and humans from future greenhouse emission damage.

What Is The Best Carpenter Ant Pest Management Strategy?

There is no doubt, carpenter ant infestations are challenging, especially for new homeowners. While you are adjusting to your new home, carpenter ants are on the perimeter looking for vulnerabilities that will give them access to the interior. Why do these insects prey on vulnerable homes? The main reason is food, which essential for the colony’s survival.

Since carpenter ant infestations are divided into two colonies, pest management is extremely challenging. Over-the-counter pest control products like insecticides, traps, and pesticides are ineffective in the treatment of these infestations. OTC pesticides are low-strength formulas limited to eradicating a few pests simultaneously.

Our professional pest control utilizes industrial- and commercial-strength pesticides, traps, and eco-friendly treatments. We combine these products into a single treatment plan to ensure the maximum results over the shortest duration.

Should I Buy Over-The-Counter Carpenter Ant Insecticides?

We cannot tell you to not invest in OTC carpenter ant pesticides. However, we can encourage you to consider your options in advance. We recommend a visual inspection to determine the severity of your infestation. The reason we suggest an in-home inspection prior to investing in store-bought pesticides is effectiveness. Full-blown infestations can only be exterminated utilizing professional pest management.

When Will The Exterminator Arrive At My Chicago Home To Conduct The Inspection?

We need at least 24 hours, no more than 48 to process a carpenter ant inspection request. We will work around your hectic schedule to inspect your home, exterminate the carpenter ants, and develop a prevention strategy to fight against repeat infestations.

Should I Be Concerned About My Pests Being Exposed To Pesticides?

We understand your concern because it is only natural for consumers to have concerns about pest control products and techniques. Fortunately, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has teamed up with US-based pesticide manufacturers and licensed exterminators to maintain control of the carpenter ant population.

Our pest control products – chemical-based, non-toxic, organic, natural, and eco-friendly – meet or exceed the EPA guidelines. Our main goal has always been to protect our clients and their homes, children, family, and assets from harmful pesticide exposure.

Our EPA-approved pest management has been deemed “safe” when administered per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What Is The Most Effective Carpenter Ant Strategy To Prevent Repeat Infestations?

Our professional pest management and prevention combine routine visual inspections, with or without treatment, and improved food storage and household waste regimens. We believe it is necessary for homeowners to remove all potential food sources out of the carpenter ant’s reach. Utilizing glass containers with lids to store non-refrigerated foods, routine wall-to-wall cleaning, and a doable, realistic household waste routine. This effort will do away with food products that carpenter ants are drawn to indoors.

Please feel free to take advantage of our free pest inspection, consultation, and estimate. We offer these services to all Chicago consumers per appointment only. Call our extermination team to schedule your appointment today.

Remember, we are only a phone call away if DIY pest control products fail to offer you and your family relief.

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