While you can use DIY methods to keep ants from foraging inside your home, in order to get rid of an ant infestation, you will need the help of a pro. This is especially true when it comes to carpenter ants, which are known to cause tremendous damage to the home, by building their colonies inside wood. Here is what you can expect when you hire a pro to remove a carpenter ant infestation:
The inspection process
All control processes start with an inspection. The inspection is meant to identify the species responsible for the infestation and its location. After the inspection, the pest control pro will have an idea of how extensive the infestation is, which methods to use to remove it, and how much the removal process will cost. You will be advised during this period on the best course of action and any alternatives that you may have at your disposal.
Removing the infestation
Once you and the pro agree on a path forward, the removal part of the process begins. In the case of a carpenter ant infestation, there is really only one main method of control – baiting. Because carpenter ants build their colonies inside wood, it can be hard to apply direct insecticides to deal with the infestation. Baits on the other hand will draw in foragers and workers that will take the poisoned bait back to the colony.
Because the bait is poisoned with a slow-acting insecticide, the ants will think that the bait is just another great source of food. However, as they start to share it around the colony, the workers will begin dying off. The foragers will have no idea that they’re bringing poisoned food back home – ants can only tell when a substance is dangerous if it kills instantly. Soon enough, the poisoned bait will be shared with the queen, and this will lead to the collapse of the colony. Once the queen is dead, it is only a matter of time until the colony is wiped out.
To find out more information about the carpenter ant control process, its costs and how long the control process takes, contact us today. We also provide inspection, control and prevention services that target carpenter ants and other pests. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant infestation, give us a call and we will schedule an appointment.
