Both Carpenter Ants and Termites Can Destroy Your Home or Building. Get Rid of Them!

As is the case with termites, carpenter ant infestations often go unnoticed until it is a costly situation to correct.

The damage caused by carpenter ants is distinct although it is often confused with termite damage. While termites feed on the cellulose found in the wood, carpenter ants excavate galleries or tunnels in decaying wood. Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants do not actually eat the wood. Rather, they hollow it out in order to nest inside, which may result in structural damage. Also unlike termites, carpenter ants generally take years to cause significant damage.

A carpenter ant infestation within a building usually means that there is a moisture problem. For instance, these critters are often found around dishwashers, sinks, laundry areas, and bathrooms – especially where plumbing leaks. Taking care of the source of that moisture makes the structure less attractive to the ants. Carpenter ants can infest building materials such as wood or foam insulation and can occupy cavities like those found in hollow doors or window frames. It’s important to note that since they usually feed on dead foliage and other insects, the ants may be living outside yet foraging indoors for food scraps or moisture.

Carpenter Ant Facts

Entering the Home

• Crawl up foundation walls & enter into the attic around the roof line, windows, doors or chimney
• Drop onto house from overhanging tree branches or utility lines
• Through foundation cracks, openings in siding or under poor fitting doors
• Ride in on firewood or infested lumber

Where do they nest?

• Prefer moisture-prone/high humidity areas
• hollow doors, ceiling, wall or floor voids
• porch ceilings, hollow posts, behind kitchen/bath walls
• Improperly vented areas, chimney flashing, under siding, soffit and fascia areas
• areas affected by condensation

Telltale signs

• Ant activity (foraging for food/water)
• Mainly nocturnal (10PM – 2AM)
• Piles of wood (sawdust-like frass)
• Small slits or openings in wood
• Dry, rustling sound from wall or other voids

Dangers & Risks

• Carpenter Ants can establish multiple nests
• They can move their colonies
• They are difficult to detect

Fort Pitt Exterminator’s TREATMENT SYSTEM

• We treat entire house from attic to basement, inside & outside
• Thorough initial service with timely follow-up services
• Maintain barrier around perimeter of home
• Eliminate main & satellite colonies
• Long-term protection & PEACE OF MIND!

Take Steps to Protect Your Property Before Carpenter Ants or Termites do Massive Damage!

Fort Pitt Exterminators are experts on Ant and Termite elimination and control. We guarantee our work and our results.

Subterranean Termite Facts

Entering the Home

• Cracks in foundation/walls 1/32”
• Dirt-filled porches
• Abutting slabs (garage floors, porches)

Where do they nest?

• Multiple colonies per acre of land
• Anywhere there is moisture or cellulose material (drywall backing, wood composite, insulation, wall studs, sill plates, etc.)

Telltale Signs

• Mud tubes
• Discarded wings
• Dead insects, especially around windows
• Soft or damaged wood
• Dirt in wood/hollowed wood
• Swarmers (looks like ants with wings)

Dangers & Risks

• Damage can be extensive before signs are noticed
• Costly repairs
• Damage rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance
• Affects resale value
• Could affect structural integrity

Fort Pitt Exterminator’s TREATMENT SYSTEM

• Sentricon® Termite Baiting System
• Proven effectiveness
• No digging or trenching, drilling or chemicals injected in the ground
• Environmentally friendly
• Proven technology over a 20-year period
• Protecting famous structures such as the White House, Statue of Liberty & others

Thousands of Satisfied Customers Over 30 Years

Fort Pitt has successfully serviced thousands of residential and commercial customers over the past 30 years. We know our business well, and we take pride in our work. Call us for prompt service.

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