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Risks of a carpenter ant infestation:
Carpenter ants don't feed on wood, as you might think. Instead, they use the wood to build their nests by digging tunnels inside them. This behavior is similar to that of termites, which also dig tunnels inside wood.
There are over 12,000 different ant species in the world, including over 100 species in Quebec, spread across approximately 26 genera. Most of these species are not harmful to humans, and some can even play a beneficial role by limiting the population of other harmful insects.
What types of ants can be dangerous?
Among the insect species listed in Quebec, three ant species exhibit harmful characteristics. The European red fire ant and the pharaoh ant, two of them, can inflict painful stings and carry pathogens. Consequently, their eradication is essential as soon as they establish their colony inside a human habitat, which can be very disruptive.
The third harmful species is the carpenter ant, which attacks buildings rather than humans. In this case, the associated risks are quite different.
Risks of an ant infestation on the building:
Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants do not feed on wood, but rather burrow into it to establish their colony. This behavior is similar to that of termites, which also nest in tunnels they dig into the wood.
These insects tend to favor tree stumps, dead wood, and sometimes even living trees for nesting. However, they can be attracted to the warmth and food sources inside homes, which sometimes leads them to settle in the frames of houses.
Over time, tunnels dug by carpenter ants can cause damage to the building structure, weakening the integrity of the whole.
How to identify a carpenter ant?
The carpenter ant is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive size and color. While the pavement ant, another species common in Quebec, measures only a few millimeters, the workers in a carpenter ant colony have an average size of about 1 cm.
Color is another important criterion for identifying this species. Unlike many other ant species that have a brown tint, the carpenter ant is predominantly black.
To help you determine the species of ant you have, you can use an identification guide that contains a printable size scale of the most common ant species in Quebec.
What to do if you detect the presence of carpenter ants?
Pest control is a shared responsibility. Whether you rent or own, we must work together to control pest infestations.
Ant infestation: what should I do if I am a tenant?
If you are a tenant, it is imperative that you report the presence of ants in your home to your landlord. The landlord should take steps to investigate the problem and ensure that the ant colony does not affect the structural integrity of the building. You can also consult the pest control section of the Logis Québec tenant's guide . This guide contains preventative measures to avoid the situation from worsening. In addition, the following sections of the guide provide specific tips for preventing an ant infestation.
Ant infestation: what should I do if I am the owner?
If you're a homeowner, it's important to understand the extent of the situation. Just because you find a few ants inside doesn't mean you have an infestation. The ant nest may be outside, and some ants may be entering only to look for food. In this case, you'll need to remain vigilant, but there's no indication that your building is at risk. However, if the nest is inside, you need to take action and purchase specialized ant control products.
How to identify an ant infestation?
It's important to note that the presence of a few ants in your home does not necessarily mean an infestation. However, if a nest is present indoors, action must be taken immediately.
To locate the nest, you can follow the ants' path. Scout ants leave a scent that guides other ants to the food, so the path between the nest and the food is usually the same. Carpenter ants hollow out wood to make their nests, so piles of sawdust can indicate the nest's proximity. Therefore, it's important to keep a close eye on cracks and holes in the wood. The ants are most active after sunset, making them easier to spot.
In addition to shavings, noise can also reveal the presence of a nest. Ants produce a dry rustling sound as they move across wooden structures. This noise is more easily detected at night, when the house is quieter. To confirm the presence of a nest, you can use a wine glass or stethoscope to amplify the noise.
If the ants' path leads to a nest outside, simply re-caulk the house and implement the preventive measures recommended below. However, if a nest is discovered inside, it is imperative to apply treatment as quickly as possible.
How to prevent an ant infestation?
To avoid an ant infestation, it is essential to take certain preventative measures. First, it is crucial to understand that ants have an affinity for damp or rotten wood. Therefore, if your home is suffering from damp or mold problems, it is important to address this situation first. If some wooden parts of the house are already infected or rotten, it is recommended to replace them with materials in good condition.
Next, it's essential to remove all potential food sources. Therefore, it's important to ensure all food is stored in airtight containers and that no food debris is left on the floor. It's important to pick up crumbs and sweep and vacuum regularly.
Finally, if you find tree stumps or rotting wood around your home, it's best to get rid of them. These materials can serve as shelters for carpenter ant nests. It's also recommended to avoid storing firewood near your home. You should also examine other areas that may harbor ant nests. Some landscaping features, such as bark mulch, retaining walls, or wooden pieces, can encourage ant nests.