When most homeowners in Surrey think about destructive pests, termites often come to mind first. However, carpenter ants deserve just as much concern. These large black ants are not only a nuisance but can also compromise the structural integrity of your property over time. If left untreated, carpenter ants can silently carve pathways through wooden structures, leading to expensive repairs. At Apna Pest Control, we understand how important it is for Surrey homeowners to know the risks these insects pose. This detailed discussion will help you understand carpenter ants, how they behave, and why swift removal is necessary.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species found in Canada. Unlike many other ants that simply invade kitchens and pantries, carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects. They don’t eat wood the way termites do, but instead excavate it to create tunnels and nesting galleries. This excavation weakens wooden beams, window frames, flooring, and other structural components in your home.
These ants are usually black, though some may have reddish or brown tones. Their colonies can grow to tens of thousands of workers, and once established, they can survive for years if not dealt with properly.
How Do Carpenter Ants Damage Homes?
The damage caused by carpenter ants begins slowly and often goes unnoticed. Unlike termites, which consume wood for food, carpenter ants carve it out to create smooth tunnels. Over time, these tunnels expand, weakening the wood’s strength. If the ants target beams, joists, or support structures, the safety of the building can be at risk.
In many cases, carpenter ants prefer damp or water-damaged wood. This means they are often found around leaky windows, bathrooms, basements, or poorly ventilated attics. Once they establish a nest in one part of the home, they can expand into other areas. The longer they are left untreated, the more significant the damage becomes.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Carpenter ants can be tricky to detect because they work silently inside wood. However, there are a few warning signs that Surrey homeowners should watch for. The most obvious sign is spotting large black ants indoors, especially during late winter or early spring when colonies become active.
Another key sign is the presence of frass, which looks like sawdust. Carpenter ants push out wood shavings and debris as they tunnel through wooden structures. You might also hear faint rustling noises inside the walls, particularly at night when the ants are more active. Spotting winged ants around your home can also be a sign of a mature colony looking to expand.
Why Surrey Homes Are at Risk?
The climate in Surrey provides an ideal environment for carpenter ants to thrive. With damp winters and mild, humid conditions, wooden structures in the area are prone to moisture damage. Carpenter ants are attracted to this type of environment because softened or water-damaged wood is easier to excavate.
Homes near wooded areas, parks, or with large trees nearby are especially vulnerable. Carpenter ants often begin their colonies outdoors in decaying logs or stumps before migrating inside houses in search of new nesting sites. This makes many Surrey neighborhoods particularly susceptible to infestations.
The Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites
Carpenter ants and termites are often confused because both can damage wood, but their behavior and signs of activity differ. Termites actually eat wood, which means they consume cellulose and can hollow out structures completely. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, only remove wood to build tunnels and galleries.
Visually, carpenter ants are larger than termites and have a defined waist. Their wings are also of unequal length, while termites have wings of equal size. Understanding this difference is important because treatment methods vary, and what works for termites will not necessarily be effective against carpenter ants.
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Carpenter Ants
Ignoring a carpenter ant infestation can lead to serious problems. Over time, the tunnels they create compromise the strength of wooden supports. This can affect the stability of floors, walls, and even roofing. In addition to structural risks, an untreated infestation can spread throughout your property, making the problem harder and more expensive to solve.
Repairs for carpenter ant damage can run into thousands of dollars, especially if major structural elements need replacing. Home insurance rarely covers damage caused by insects, which makes prevention and early detection critical.
Professional Carpenter Ant Removal in Surrey
At Apna Pest Control in Surrey, we use advanced techniques to identify carpenter ant nests and eliminate them. Our experienced team inspects your property thoroughly to find both visible and hidden colonies. We then apply safe, effective treatments that not only remove the ants but also help prevent them from returning.
Protecting Your Home Against Carpenter Ants
Prevention plays a key role in protecting your home from carpenter ants. Keeping wood dry by fixing leaks and improving ventilation is essential. Sealing entry points around windows, doors, and foundations also helps reduce the chance of ants entering your home. However, even with these measures, carpenter ants can still invade. That’s why partnering with a trusted pest control company like Apna Pest Control is the most reliable way to safeguard your home.