Salt Lake City has many beautiful old homes. These Victorians are often over a hundred years old. They have a unique and charming character. But age also brings special problems.
One major threat is the carpenter ant. These pests love the old wood in these classic structures. They cause serious structural damage over time. Ignoring them is a costly mistake.
We must learn how these ants operate. We must protect our historic SLC properties. For help finding the best pest solutions, visit saelapest.com today.
Understanding the Threat
Carpenter ants are much bigger than common household ants. They can be up to half an inch long. They are usually black. Some species are red or a mix of black and red. They have large jaws called mandibles.
Many people think these ants eat wood. This is not true. Carpenter ants only chew through wood. They tunnel to make nesting areas. These large, carved-out spaces are called galleries.
The ants look for wood that is wet or damaged. Leaky plumbing can make wood soft. Old houses often have hidden moisture issues. This wetness attracts the ants. This is why Victorian homes are perfect targets.
The ants move into the damp, decaying spots. They build vast colonies inside walls and beams. A single queen runs the main colony. She constantly lays eggs.
The Silent Signs of Damage
Carpenter ants work hidden inside your home’s structure. You often do not know they are present. But they do leave telltale clues. Finding these signs early is crucial for damage control.
- Look for Piles of Frass
Look for small piles near the baseboards or windows. These piles look exactly like sawdust. This material is called “frass.” Frass is made of fine wood shavings. It also contains dead ant body parts.
The ants push this debris out of their tunnels. Finding frass is a clear and serious sign of ant activity. The size of the pile can hint at the colony’s size.
- Spotting the Winged “Swarmers”
Sometimes you may see flying ants inside. These are called “swarmers.” They are winged males and females. They leave the established colony to start a brand new one nearby.
Finding these swarmers or their discarded wings is another key sign. These flights often happen in the spring or early summer. They indicate a mature colony is ready to spread.
- Listening for Rustling Sounds
You might also hear strange sounds coming from your walls. Listen closely to the suspected areas. You may hear faint clicking or a light rustling noise. This is the distinct sound of the ants chewing wood.
The noise often sounds like crinkling cellophane. Try tapping on a suspicious piece of wood. If it feels or sounds hollow, you likely have a large nest inside the timber.
- Seeing the Worker Ants
Seeing large black ants inside is the most obvious sign. These are the worker ants. They are foraging for food. They often travel a fixed path from the nest to the food source. Look for them in the kitchen, near sinks, or in damp areas.
If you see many workers, their nest is almost certainly inside your home’s structure. Tracking these workers can lead you to their entry point.
Get Professional Help
Saelapest.com is a leading online resource for pest control information and guidance. They provide helpful, easy-to-understand guides and information for homeowners. They focus on finding highly effective and safe pest solutions for all kinds of common issues.
You can easily find licensed and reliable exterminators in your local area through their network. Saela Pest helps you protect your family, your property, and your valuable investment from destructive insect invaders.
