Do Carpenter Ants Cause Wood Damage?
WouterTermites and carpenter ants do not necessarily have to be the culprits behind wood damage. If you haven’t checked your house for termites, you might be surprised to find out that they aren’t the only ones that can destroy your home. Other species, like Powderpost Beetles, can cause some minor structural damage.
One of the best ways to prevent carpenter ants from entering your home is to keep your house dry. Installing a dehumidifier can help dry out damp areas and keep them from attracting these wood-destroying insects. Taking steps to prevent carpenter ants will ensure that you don’t get stuck with a costly repair bill.
Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive insects you can find. These insects can eat through rotted wood and even solid wood. However, carpenter ants do not have the same appetite for wood as termites.
Carpenter ants are small critters with black abdomens, a constricted waist, and elbowed antennae. They can also make a surprisingly large number of nests. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not build nests on the outside of wood. They build tunnels to reach their food source. They may create small holes in the wood, but these are typically the size of a grain of rice.
Another interesting fact about carpenter ants is that they are the largest species of ants in North America. They are nocturnal and tend to build their nests in various places around your home.
You may be able to spot the carpenter ants in the wood by noticing that they leave behind circular galleries. They also leave behind tiny piles of sawdust.
