Carpenter ants are a common pest issue for homeowners in the Toronto area. Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, homeowners in the region may start to see more insects in and around their homes. Carpenter ants often like to nest on properties that have wet wood, which could be piled up in basements, crawl spaces, sheds or in a backyard. 

At Truly Nolen Canada, we help homeowners tackle this common pest problem and get rid of carpenter ants. We focus on proven strategies that are effective and safe for pest control in Toronto. Here’s how to check for signs of carpenter ants on your property.

Carpenter Ant Nests – What To Look for

Carpenter nests can be inside of your home or outside on your property. These ants can be found in nests of all sizes. Outdoor nests are usually larger than a nest located indoors. The outdoor nests may be the parent colony of carpenter ants. This type of nest houses the queen who lays eggs, worker ants and multiple broods. A satellite nest may be smaller and house larvae, workers and pupae.

The first sign of a carpenter ant nest is any activity. Carpenter ants are distinguishable from other ants due to their large size and black colour. They generally build nests in decaying wood, so if you see large ants around a pile of rotting wood, it may house a nest. In the wild, they prefer decaying trees. They often build nests in places where there is lots of moisture, which helps soften the wood to their liking.

Common Nest Locations

The most common type of nest location outside for carpenter ants is a rotting tree or within a tree cavity. They may also nest in a spot where there is a woodpile that has wet, rotten wood around. Firewood that has been kept outside for a long time in rainy weather may become an attractive location for carpenter ants to nest.

Indoors, carpenter ants may look for parts of the home that have water damage. Wood trim, door frames, attics, bath traps and wall voids may house carpenter ants if there is moisture and decaying wood. Homeowners may notice signs of an infestation, such as sawdust, the shed wings of the insects, rustling noises and ant activity.

Strategies for Carpenter Nest Removal

If you suspect there is carpenter ant activity in and around your home, you must work quickly to remove the nest. Carpenter ants can quickly damage the wooden structures around your property and cause significant and expensive repairs. It’s best to work with an expert, such as Truly Nolen, to get the most comprehensive carpenter ant removal strategy for an infestation.

We start our carpenter nest removal process with an inspection where we locate and diagnose the infestation. Our team can work with you to develop effective prevention strategies to keep carpenter ants from ever coming back into your home. We help you identify areas that are at risk and help you be proactive to prevent the next infestation.

Pest Control in Toronto You Can Count On

At Truly Nolen, we offer a Four Seasons Pest Program that keeps your home closed to unwelcome insects and other pests all year long. Our technicians use trusted strategies that safely and effectively remove infestations and prevent the next one.

A carpenter ant infestation can be unsettling to your family and devastating to the wooden structures on your property. Keep these pests away with our expert advice and professional service. Contact Truly Nolen Toronto today for more tips about keeping carpenter ants out of your home.