How do I know If I have a carpenter ant problem?

Carpenter ants are big black ants and are common in many homes, mostly in the spring and summer seasons. When the weather warms up and you start seeing a half dozen or so of these ants in your house, there is a good chance you have an established colony somewhere in your home. A mature colony population of carpenter ants ranges in the thousands, while only 2% of that colony will forge for food. Carpenter ants are protein eaters mostly, but also have a sweet tooth. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in damp areas, under doors, basements, decks, dormers, roof lines, chimney areas etc. Carpenter Ants nest in these areas and can cause serious structural damage to your home. Carpenter ants can travel up to 100 yards while forging for food or seeking a new home. Carpenter ants are not that active in the winter months because they hibernate. They can become active if they are nesting close to a heat source, baseboard heat, heated subfloors, fireplaces, ect.. Carpenter ants can evade detection by using tree limbs or powerlines as a bridgeway to your home.

So, if you start seeing black ants in your home, chances are you have a carpenter ant colony. DIY treatments can be frustrating. because the general use chemicals do not have much residual and break down from light and moisture. Hiring a professional company is the best solution to make sure you get rid of the infestation for good!