Carpenter Ants

Our San Francisco Carpenter Ant Pest Management – What You Should Know!

Identifying the carpenter ant is generally that that difficult. In fact, the insect’s unique physical characteristics make it simple and quick to identify. These include a tri-segmented black, dark brown, or reddish/black body, three pair of legs, and powerful mandibles. The carpenter ants can be seen traveling along pathways, grassy paths, driveways, and walkways. Hardly will you see a carpenter ant traveling alone because of its social behavior. Social insects travel and live in colonies of various sizes, some of which have up to 10,000 members.

The adult worker carpenter ant grows up to ½” in length while the queen can reach 5/8” long.

What Signs Point To A Full-Blown Residential Carpenter Ant Infestation?

• Visual Live Sightings – Live carpenter ants foraging for food on kitchen countertops, near garbage cans, in cabinets, and on the ground. Anywhere a scrap of food can be found, you will find a carpenter ant.
• “Frass” Trails – Carpenter ants utilize their mandibles to gnaw through decaying wood structures, such as porches, decks, fence posts, studs, and rafters. The byproduct of the gnawing is known as “frass,” which is nothing more than sawdust. Frass trails can be found in the carpenter ant’s walking path.
• Audible Noise – Believe it or not, carpenter ants working in large colonies create a “rustling” noise, which can be heard through walls.
• Swarming Insects – Swarmers are winged carpenter ants that help care for the young, build the colony, and build new colonies.

Why Is My San Francisco Home Under A Carpenter Ant Threat?

Carpenter ants are opportunist insects, which means they utilize every opportunity to invade homes in search of a new food source. When food becomes scarce, carpenter ants are forced indoors or out into the community. Scientists have estimated the carpenter ant will travel 100 yards in search of food. If your home is infested, you can contribute it to one or more access points, small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices around doors, windows, and utility lines.

Do Carpenter Ants Spread Diseases To Children?

No, carpenter ants are not disease-spreading insects. However, the ant species has been linked to foodborne illnesses. Carpenter ants consume contaminated food, which is later evacuated from the body through fecal material. The insects will deposit the fecal material on surfaces utilized to prepare food and in food sources, such as exposed processed food. Unknowingly, a human(s) will consume the food, resulting in the onset of foodborne illness symptoms.

Carpenter ants have also been shown to damage vulnerable building structures.

What Is The Best Pest Management Strategy For Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Our professional pest control is rated number one by many of our long-time customers. San Francisco has more than a few extermination companies, including our company. We all work together to control the carpenter ant population. If it were not for this joint effort, carpenter ant infestations would double, triple, or even quadruple. Fortunately, this is not the case, which is why we will continue pushing forward.

Is DIY Pest Control Effective Against Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Yes and no, over-the-counter pesticides are not always strong enough to fully eradicate a carpenter ant infestation. And, if it is at all possible, it will take more than two treatments. When DIY pest control products are compared to professional-grade pest control products, there is no comparison. DIY pesticides are standard formulas while professional pesticides are maximum strength.

When Will The Exterminator Arrive At My San Francisco Home To Perform The Inspection?

We suggest submitting your pest control request to our local office as soon as possible. Once we receive it, we will immediately initiate processing. This will take between 24 to 48 hours to complete, at which time we can dispatch a licensed exterminator to your home.

Keep in mind, we offer both emergency and same-day pest control services.

Should I Be Concerned About Pesticide Toxins?

Pesticides that contain chemicals can be toxic to the environment and humans when improperly handled, stored, administered, and transported. Thanks to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), San Francisco exterminators can help minimize these risks. The agency developed a set of pesticide guidelines in an effort to combat the potentially harmful effects of chemical-based pest control products.

We take pesticide safety seriously by heeding the manufacturer’s recommendations and only buying from brands that have taken the steps to have their pesticides approved by the EPA.

What Do I Need To Prevent A Repeat Carpenter Ant Infestation?

Routine visual inspections, professional pesticides, traps, and an improved processed food storage system, and a household waste disposal routine will definitely go a long way in preventing future infestations. We also recommend targeting access points and decaying wood structures. It is crucial to seal access points that can be utilized by these insects to infiltrate your home.

Update your current food storage system by transitioning from paperboard and thin plastic packaging to glass containers with lids. Contact our San Francisco off with your unanswered pest management questions today!

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