As a homeowner, you know the importance of protecting your home from pests. But what do you need to know about carpenter ants? These wood-destroying insects can cause irreparable damage to your home if left unchecked. To ensure that your home remains pest-free, let’s take a look at the life cycle of these destructive creatures and how to get rid of them if they appear in your house.

Life Cycle and Identification of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants typically measure between 0.25” – 1” in length, with black or red bodies varying by species. Their antennae are elbowed and they have a single node separating the thorax from the abdomen. Carpenter ants live in colonies that can span up to several thousand individuals living together, with one queen ant laying eggs throughout her lifetime (up to 20 years). The eggs hatch after about two weeks into larvae, which go through three stages before becoming worker ants who forage for food and build nests within walls and furniture. During this time, colonies may create satellite nests nearby as well; however, all activity will remain centered around their main nest.

The Damage They Can Cause

Carpenter ants are particularly destructive due to their habit of tunneling through wood in order to create new nests and enlarge existing ones. This process, known as “nest excavation” can weaken structural integrity over time if not addressed right away. In addition, carpenter ants are capable of spreading pathogens such as E coli which can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with them; therefore it is important that you take steps to eliminate them from your property as soon as possible rather than attempting DIY solutions on your own.

How To Get Rid Of Them

If you suspect that there are carpenter ants present in your home, it is important that you hire a professional exterminator immediately so that they can assess the situation and develop an appropriate plan for removal and prevention. Your exterminator will likely use a combination of insecticide treatments along with sealing off any entry points into your home in order to keep these pests out for good!

Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. To protect yourself from these pests, it is important to familiarize yourself with their life cycle so you can identify any potential infestations quickly; additionally, hiring a professional exterminator is essential if you see any of these insects in or around your house! By taking proactive measures now, you can save yourself significant headaches down the line!