As a property manager, you're always on the lookout for potential problems. So when you noticed small piles of wood shavings near a structural wall on your property, you knew you had to act fast. We are Ottawa's premier pest control service, offering commercial pest control solutions to support property managers and owners in your situation. Our technicians are trained specifically to deal with carpenter ant and termite infestations.
How do I distinguish between carpenter ants and termites?
Upon first inspection, carpenter ants and termites look similar, but if you take a closer look, you'll see that carpenter ants have a small, well-defined waist, while termites are more rectangular with no waist. Carpenter ants dig into moist wood, hollow it out, and push piles of sawdust-like material called "frass" out and into plain view. Termites actually eat the wood and leave trails of mud in and around the damage. Carpenter ants leave behind smooth, hollowed-out galleries in the wood, while termite damage appears to be ragged, rough, and filled with mud and soil. If you're noticing piles of sawdust near timber on your property, you're likely dealing with a carpenter ant infestation.
What damage can carpenter ants do?
If left unattended, a carpenter ant infestation can cause significant damage, particularly if they target a structural wall. The hollowed-out galleries in a wall damaged by carpenter ants can weaken the integrity of the surrounding structure. This is why it is essential to treat the problem as soon as you detect it.
The nests need to be identified and removed.
Because carpenter ants typically have multiple nests, locating and eliminating them can pose a challenge that commercial pest control services are better equipped to handle. This is because the parent colony is often located outside, in an old stump or a rotted-out tree. In contrast, satellite colonies may be located inside walls and are not visible to the naked eye. The only way to truly determine the location of the nesting sites is to place bait and observe the ants as they return to the nest.
Avoiding carpenter ant infestations in the first place.
Property managers understand that preventative maintenance is crucial in avoiding pest issues and the resulting damage. When you notice leaks in plumbing, cracks in walls, and damage to trim around walls and windows, it is essential to fix them immediately. Outdoor debris should be cleared, and any rotting wood should be removed. If you take away the conditions that attract carpenter ants, you shouldn't have a problem.
Pest Control Ottawa are Ottawa's premier pest control service, providing comprehensive commercial pest control solutions tailored to property managers like you. We can inspect the property and provide you with a reasonable estimate promptly. Our operators are standing by, waiting for your call. Our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can be confident in granting them access to the premises. Call us today, and we'll help you eliminate your carpenter ant problem. Carpenter Ant Removal From The Kitchen in Ottawa, ON. Call (613) 209-1880.
