We know that Old Man Winter can be a grumpy guest in Lehi, UT. He brings frosts, ice, and lots of snow for us to shovel. At least, however, he keeps most of the bugs away. So, although we may be happy to wave goodbye to winter and hello to spring, we are also confronted with pests in Lehi that come with warmer weather; and nothing says warm weather like ants.
How Can I Tell What Type Of Ants Are On My Utah Property?
Ants know how to crash a party, whether they overtake your picnic or march into your home. The best way to win a battle is to know your enemy. This can be a difficult undertaking, as there are dozens of species of ant found in Utah alone. The western thatching ant, the thief ant, and the velvety tree ant are just some of the types of ants you may come across in Utah; one of the most common being the carpenter ant.
Carpenter ants are fairly large, at least, for an ant. They are generally black, but may also be found in shades of brown or red. They can be identified by their bent antennae, long abdomen, and their lack of a stinger. Carpenter ants also have fairly small mandibles, or pincer-like jaws.
Should I Be Worried If I See One Carpenter Ant On My Utah Property?
Unfortunately, even though carpenter ants don’t look very frightening, they can cause a scary amount of property damage. Like termites, carpenter ants tend to be destructive because they tunnel and chew wood to make their nests. This tunneling ruins the structural integrity of your home. You may only see one or two carpenter ants at first, as they typically scout for a food source. However, if the carpenter ants find the food source they’re looking for in your home, an army of ants could move into your property. It's best not to wait to see a large horde of carpenter ants; by that point, they have already infested your walls and started turning the frame of your home into dust.
Will Ants In My Utah Home Go Away On Their Own?
Carpenter ants are nesters. Once their colony finds a food source and builds a home, they have little reason to move. Even if you removed all food sources, carpenter ants are likely to stay on your property, as they are notorious encroachers.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants In Utah Homes
To get rid of carpenter ants, you have to destroy the nest. Carpenter ants love to build their nests in door hollows, windowsills, and in between walls; these are the first places to look. Furthermore, carpenter ants love damp wood, so solving any mold and moisture issues in your home is a must. Trying to deal with an active infestation with store-bought insecticides and traps is frustrating and most often ineffective, so the best way to deal with a carpenter ant invasion is to call the professionals.
Perhaps you’re not even sure you have a carpenter ant problem? That's where the experienced pest control professionals at TrueShield Pest Control come in. Family-owned and locally-operated, we are knowledgeable and well equipped to inspect your Utah property to determine exactly what the problem is and the best course of action to solve it. TrueShield Pest Control will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your Utah property is taken care of and protected from future pest infestations. Call TrueShield Pest Control today and protect your Utah home!
