Spring is in the air, and the winter is finally ending. With another season in the record books, it is time to breathe a sigh of relief and look to the prevention and predictions of the season to come. Most people understand that the end of winter means the end of hibernation and other restful states for animals. Spring always indicates more activity in wildlife and insect. Unfortunately, if you ask any expert in carpenter ant control in Kitchener, the spring is a problematic issue with the encroaching warmer weather.

Are Carpenter Ants a Concern in the Spring? 

As the weather warms up, carpenter ants, like other species, search for new nesting sites and food sources. In the pursuit of food, ants will likely find their ways close to houses or even inside. Unfortunately, unlike other pests that make their way into your home through existing openings, carpenter ants can make their own entries through the wood of your house.

The spring represents a rambunctious time for carpenter ants. The ants are eager to forage and develop colonies. In the warmth of spring, they often find all the resources they need in the residential properties of the city. Families will inevitably have crumbs and other morsels on counters, floors, in drawers, and many other places.

How Do You Know When You Have a Problem? 

Carpenter ants can leave behind many clues to their presence. The most obvious sign of ants is actually to spot them walking or crawling through your house. If you see one ant, you likely have more. Additionally, carpenter ants tend to leave behind a trail of frass, which is fine sawdust. You might notice frass near walls or tiny holes.

Beyond the clear visuals, if you look at wood beams and structures in or around your home, you will notice tunnels running through them. These tunnel systems are called galleries. If you do not have exposed wood with apparent tunnels, you might notice a hollow sound when you knock on it. Finally, if you hear a soft crinkling noise coming from inside your walls at night, carpenter ants might be the culprits.

How Much Damage Can Carpenter Ants Cause? 

Carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to your house or any other building they nest in. The insect burrows through wood, effectively weakening the material. If an infestation is bad enough, the ants might create satellite colonies throughout a structure.

If left untreated, the burrowing can limit the integrity of a structure. Some posts can collapse. The important thing is to treat colonies as soon as possible, which will involve the help of a service like Truly Nolen.

Why Is Springtime Troublesome? 

Carpenter ants tend to be more active in the spring because the winter thaw creates the perfect opportunity to locate damp and decaying wood. The damp wood allows the ants to burrow with ease. However, do not think for a moment that ants will only go after damp wood. If your house proves to be a lucrative food source, the insects will be motivated to nest near or in it.

Many people underestimate the drive for food in insects. Insects, like any other living thing, require food, water, and shelter. If a house is a perfect shelter for you, there is no reason to believe it won’t be ideal for ants.

Should You Call an Expert for Help? 

Ant infestations can range from small to enormous. When you start noticing ants in your house, you likely have an infestation. While you can attempt to handle the situation independently, most DIY efforts do not work out.

If you are experiencing an ant infestation or suspect you have a problem, contact Truly Nolen. The company will send an expert to assess your property.