Customer LoginAs the cold winds of winter approach, so does the risk of overwintering ants seeking refuge in your warm home. These tiny invaders may seem harmless, but if left unchecked, they can wreak havoc and cause significant damage. In this article, we’ll delve into the potential risks posed by overwintering ants and the specific menace of carpenter ants.
Overwintering Ants: Unwanted Houseguests
Have you spotted an ant this Fall-Winter? Don’t assume winter will freeze them out on its own. Allowing ants to overwinter in your home can lead to a cascade of problems. Seeking warmth during the chilly months, ants often select homes as their shelter. Once inside, they get down to business, building nests, and reproducing at an alarming rate. This can quickly escalate into a full-blown ant infestation, posing a challenge to control once it takes hold.
The risks don’t stop there. Ants can become household troublemakers, causing damage to your property. They have a knack for chewing through wood, drywall, and insulation. Not only that, but their droppings and saliva can contaminate your food and surfaces, posing health risks. In some alarming cases, ants might even be the culprits behind electrical fires.
Carpenter Ants: The Wood-Devouring Intruders
Allowing carpenter ants to overwinter in your home poses an even greater threat. These wood-destroying pests create tunnels in wood to build their nests, weakening the structure and making it susceptible to various forms of damage.
Carpenter ants are not just woodworkers; they are also health hazards. Their droppings and saliva can contaminate food and surfaces, exposing you to diseases such as salmonella and E. coli. Here’s a breakdown of the specific problems carpenter ants can cause:
Structural Damage: Weakened wood leading to sagging floors, bowed walls, and potential collapse.
Water Damage: Tunnels allowing moisture to seep in, leading to mold growth and rot.
Food Contamination: Health risks due to contaminated food and surfaces.
Electrical Problems: Chewed-through wires causing electrical issues and fire hazards.
Preventing Overwintering Ants: Tips for a Pest-Free Winter
To steer clear of these winter woes, here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Seal up cracks and crevices around your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
- Store your food in airtight containers.
- Promptly clean up spills and crumbs.
- Regularly take out the trash.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from your home.
Get Pest Free with A1 Exterminators
For over 65 years, A1 Exterminators has kept New England pest-free. Our proven ant control methods are competitively priced and effective. Let us help you achieve a pest-free home, just as we’ve done for thousands of residents and business owners.
Ready to get pest free? Contact A1 Exterminators.
📞 Call us at 800-525-4825.
💬 Contact us here.
🌐 Connect with us on social media.
