We are all likely familiar with the damage that termites can cause to our homes, but termites are not the only type of pest that can put holes in your house.  Carpenter ants are large ants that like to nest in wooden structures and Florida even has its own special species of carpenter ant, aptly named The Florida Carpenter Ant.  This type is usually referred to as the red and black carpenter ant.  So what makes carpenter ants one of the most common types of indoor pests in Florida?

Although they do not cause as much damage as termites, if a carpenter ant nest is left untreated and gets large enough, the damage can be substantial.  Carpenter ants are considered wood destroying pests.  Unlike termites that actually eat the wood, carpenter ants are simply excavating the wood in order to construct nests.  Essentially, they damage your home to build their own.

Carpenter ants thrive in a damp environment.  Therefore, they will only target wood that has already been damaged by moisture.  This makes attics and floorings particularly attractive for carpenter ants.  In a way, carpenter ants help point out problems that probably already existed before they began to excavate.  However, if the carpenter ant nest is not taken care of, it can end up doing more damage to the wood than the moisture would have done alone.

Some common signs of carpenter ant infestation include trails of the ants and frass.  When carpenter ants begin making their nest, they toss out the debris within (which consists of wood chips, insect parts, etc.) and form small piles, referred to as frass.  Another way to discover carpenter ants is to listen for tapping sounds.  You can sometimes hear the ants rustling as they excavate wood.

Calling a pest control professional to take care of any carpenter ant infestation is the best way to ensure it is properly handled.  Carpenter ants are only repelled by most chemical sprays.  Improper application can lead to the nest moving locations, which compounds the problem.  If you suspect carpenter ants in your home, call Pro-Staff Pest Control at 407-292-7378, or fill out our free evaluation form.

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Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
6211 Edgewater Dr. • Orlando, FL 32810 • 407-292-7378

Seminole County Office
2100 Ronald Reagan Blvd • Ste. 1024 • Longwood, FL 32750 • 407-331-7378

Many do not realize it, but the phrase “hurricane season is here,” can also mean “fire ant season is here.” Wet weather from an active hurricane season causes increased fire ant activity, so be sure to do your best to keep your Central Florida home free from these common but annoying pests.

Fire ants tend to build their mounds when soil is saturated. Excessive water on your lawn caused by rain from a hurricane will force fire ants to move out of their mounds and into somewhere dry—like your home. Fire ants are more prominent in wet conditions and highly concentrated in non-flooded areas during hurricane season.

Did you know that fire ants are one of the most flood-resistant species in the world? It’s true! They flourish in natural disaster conditions and can easily move from their mounds to dry land. Spot-treating mounds or infected corners in your home will not get rid of the problem. The best way to keep fire ants away would be a broadcast treatment in the areas surrounding your home. Our Seven-Step Pest Prevention Program protects both inside and outside your Orlando home and it’s guaranteed!

If you’re interested in keeping your Orlando home and lawn free of pests this hurricane season, give our Seminole County Pest Control company a call at 407-331-PEST (7378) and schedule your free pest evaluation!

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Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
6211 Edgewater Dr. • Orlando, FL 32810 • 407-292-7378

Seminole County Office
2100 Ronald Reagan Blvd • Ste. 1024 • Longwood, FL 32750 • 407-331-7378