Pest Control Archives - Page 5 of 18

Spring Pests and How to Prevent Them!

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your Northern Utah or Southern Idaho Home. Learn more from Rentokil.

It’s almost springtime in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho! Many people welcome the warming temperatures with open arms. Unfortunately, the start of spring is also the start of the pest season. As winter comes to a close, pests that were less active throughout the year will come back out with a vengeance! To protect your property from the many pest threats this time of year, it’s best to implement pest prevention measures into your spring cleaning routine this year. Keep reading for expert tips from the team here at Rentokil.

What Pests Are Common in Spring?

While some of these pests are active year-round, there tends to be a peak in activity this time of year. The pests you should be aware of in spring include:

Ants. Warming temperatures encourage ants to start invading once more.
Flies. In the spring and summer, flies are more active than ever and can be a big nuisance.
Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

Avoiding Spring Pest Problems

This time of year, many people plan to spring clean their properties. There’s no better time to implement pest prevention into the mix! Some of our tips to prevent pests from finding your home the ideal place to infest include:

Thoroughly cleaning your windows and doors. Seal any cracks or crevices.
Deep-cleaning your carpets and rugs. Vacuum, shampoo, or even steam-clean the surface.
Sanitizing and cleaning your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids will welcome all sorts of bugs and pests.
Removing debris from your yard, and trim any shrubs or tree branches away from your home. Clear out your gutters and downspouts.
Checking on plumbing and pipes. Quickly address any leaks or blockages.
Keeping a tidy home at all times. Clean under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need some fixing up.

Professional Seasonal Pest Control

Without a doubt, your best defense against a pest infestation this season is to work with a professional exterminator. Our Rentokil team will work with you to develop a pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your property

Important Differences Between Termites & Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites in Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. Learn more from Rentokil!

Termites and flying ants: what’s the difference? Flying ants, known as carpenter ants, can cause a lot of damage with their wood-boring abilities. However, termites are even more dangerous! In the swarmer stages of their lives, these two wood-destroying insects are commonly mistaken for each other. Although they both destroy wood, they are quite different from one another. Keep reading to learn expert tips on the differences between termites & carpenter ants from the professionals at Rentokil.

How to Tell Termites Apart from Carpenter Ants

Termite and carpenter swarmers certainly look alike, but there are several key differences. The best way to differentiate the two is to look at the size of their wings in proportion to their bodies. Flying carpenter ants are black in color, but can have a slight red hue as well. The most telling feature of carpenter ants is that they measure 1/2″–5/8″ with antennae bent at a 45-degree angle. Carpenter ant swarmers are larger than termites, which is a good way to tell them apart.

Meanwhile, termite swarmers are dark brown to black in color and measure 3/8″ long including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color, may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body. This is the best way to differentiate them from carpenter ants.

Winged ant vs. termite in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho - Rentokil

Behaviors of Wood-Destroying Insects

Termites and carpenter ants both tunnel through wood, but termites are typically more destructive. The main things to know about these wood-boring insects are:

Termites make their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, under siding, porches, or any structure in contact with the soil.
Established termite colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day.
Carpenter ants establish nests in wood that is already in decay, and later expand into normal wood, insulation, or wall voids.
Excavated termite galleries appear to have been sanded. Carpenter ants do not create the extensive damage termites do.

How to Control Termites and Carpenter Ants

Wood-destroying insects are feared by all property owners, and for good reason! Flying ants, known as carpenter ants, are the most destructive ant species in the nation. However, they don’t hold a torch to the damage caused by termites annually! Your best defense against a wood-destroying insect is to sign up for annual inspections from a professional pest control company such as Rentokil. We can help you learn how to tell the differences between termites & carpenter ants.

ants carpenter ants spring pests Termites

Rats, Mice, and the Dangers They Bring

Rats chewing on wires are one of the many dangers of rodents in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. The mice exterminators at Rentokil can help prevent them.

If you have a rat or mouse problem in your property, these rodents can be much more dangerous than you may think. As a nuisance pest, rodents will rummage through your food and chew on wires, but they can pose a bigger threat. In addition to simply making a mess in your home or business, rodents are infamous for directly or indirectly transmitting a number of dangerous diseases. Because rats and mice are a common problem throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho year-round, it’s important to understand the many dangers of rodents.

The Dangers of Rodent-Borne Diseases

Rodent problems are most feared for the health risks they bring about. Several of the world’s most infamous diseases have been tied back to rats and mice. We now know the bubonic plague was transmitted by fleas, but rats and mice carried the fleas and thus contributed to the outbreak. Today, some of these diseases remain a threat, including the following:

Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.
Salmonella. Rats and mice can walk over surfaces and contaminate everything they tough. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.
Rat-bite fever. True to its name, rat-bite fever is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected rat. It is also caught by handling infected animals and ingesting food or drink contaminated with the rat’s feces or urine.

Property Damage From Rodents

Besides the diseases they may cause, rats and mice infestations can leave your property a mess. Three of the biggest headaches rodents cause include:

Chewing. Rats have incisors that never stop growing … meaning they never stop chewing! When they chew on electrical wires, they can cause a short circuit and create a fire hazard.
Nests. Rats and mice will make nests out of anything they can get their paws on, meaning they’ll shred through a number of things in your property at will.
Droppings. In addition to being a health hazard, droppings are unsightly, messy, and smelly. It’s important to enlist the help of a professional in cleaning up after a rodent infestation.

When to Use a Mice Exterminator

If you’ve noticed rats or mice in your property, it’s recommended to call a rodent exterminator as soon as possible. With the threats and dangers of an infestation in mind, you now know why it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional rodent control company. At Rentokil, we will work with you to keep your home or business safe from the dangers of rodents year-round.

Mice Rats Rodents

The German Cockroach: 10 Facts to Keep in Mind

German cockroaches are one of the biggest roach problems in the Northern Utah and Southern Idaho region - Rentokil

Cockroach infestations are one of the most feared, and for good reason. Not only are roaches a gross sight to behold, they also contaminate surfaces and carry potentially dangerous pathogens and diseases. The German cockroach in particular is feared for their ability to breed at rapid rates, making it easy for them to quickly spread throughout an entire property. German roaches are most commonly found in homes, multi-family units, restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and more, making them a constant threat to all property owners.

In this blog post, the experts at Rentokil share 10 facts to keep in mind about the German cockroach.

German Cockroach Habits & Behaviors

Because German cockroaches are such a common problem in properties throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, it’s important to learn their habits and behaviors. The top things to know about German cockroaches include:

German roaches can be identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
German cockroaches have an extremely quick rate of reproduction. They can quickly spread throughout a building.
The ootheca (egg case) of the German roach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take a month to hatch.
These roaches are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms.
German cockroaches typically prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
They live indoors primarily. They are only found outdoors occasionally in warm weather.
German cockroaches can carry or transmit diseases and pathogens that may be dangerous to humans.
German cockroach infestations may cause severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad on their feet.
German cockroaches prefer to stay hidden in dark areas. They are often found inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and other rarely accessed areas.

How to Prevent German Roach Infestations

If you want to avoid dealing with the frustrations of a German cockroach infestation, it’s important to be proactive about preventing them in the first place. As we all know, roaches are attracted to filth and clutter. The key to keeping them away, then, is to maintain a tidy property! To keep them out, make sure to keep all food in sealed containers and secure your garbage cans securely. Lastly, continually check on dark, undisturbed spots in your home or business for evidence of roach activity.

What to Do When you Have German Cockroaches

If you’ve done all you can to keep German roaches out of your property and have spotted them in your property regardless, it’s time to call the exterminators at Rentokil. Our team will thoroughly inspect your property for the roaches before coming up with a German roach removal plan suited to your needs. Our goal is to keep you roach free all year long!

Cockroaches German cockroach

Pest Season 2020 – Look Ahead for These 6 Pests

They say hindsight is 20/20, but when it comes to protecting your family and home against pests this year, you can be proactive with the help of Rentokil. We are helping homeowners prepare for the upcoming pest season by offering insight into anticipated pest activity.

The experts at Rentokil have examined trends, used our company data and our field experiences and to determine the following six pest predictions. We are also offering preventative tips to help keep your home pest-free this year.

Mosquitoes

In some Western states, disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have surged in recent years. These mosquitoes, as well as the common house mosquito, can spread diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A bite from a mosquito can also spread the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: The risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile virus can increase with rising populations. Mosquitoes only need one tablespoon of water to lay their eggs. To protect yourself and your family, dispose of standing water from your property and always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

Rats

Over the past several years, rat populations have increased and this may be partly attributed to warmer than normal winters. We can expect to see that trend continue as rodent populations in suburban areas increase this year. Warmer winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and lack of affordable housing are all issues that have advanced the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips: Rats spread disease and can be extremely destructive to homes. To prevent rodents, try the following rodent control tips: Keep trees and shrubs cut back, especially thick low-vegetation that can serve as good hiding places for rats. Make sure that trees do not overhang onto the roofline. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, seal and tie trash bags, placing them into garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.

Termites

Termites cause homeowners in the United States $6 billion in property damages each year and are one of the most destructive pests. These wood-destroying pests are a continual problem for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year, termites could prove to be even more damaging. The experts at Rentokil have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips: Earth-to-wood contact provides an avenue for termites to enter your home. To prevent termites, eliminate soil to wood contact and avoid moisture build-up near your homes’ foundation. Remove excess wood (stumps, lumber, etc.) from your yard. Termites can be present for years before homeowners ever see signs of their activity, causing considerable and costly damage. Avoid these costs by having a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.

Cockroaches

In the last several years, cockroach populations have increased dramatically, due in large part to warmer weather and increased rainfall. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest and contaminate stored food, and then spread bacteria through their excrement. Cockroach removal is critical as infestations can become serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: Cockroaches are not just a nuisance, they can make children sick. The presence of cockroaches increases the symptoms of asthma and allergies. To prevent an infestation, cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Keep a clean kitchen, sweeping, mopping and wiping up any spills. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.

Flies

If you have noticed more flies this past year, you are not alone. Although they’re more active in the summer, house flies reproduce year-round. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – generally live and breed near human habitats and their numbers have increased in recent years. Increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure all contribute to increasing this disease-spreading insect.

Homeowner Tips: House flies and “filth flies” are attracted to filth, and have the potential to harm humans and animals. Keeping a clean home is the first step to protecting yourself and your family. Keep trash closed in lidded containers and take it out often. Clean spills quickly and cover any non-refrigerated foods. Keep pet feeding and litter areas clean and fix drips and eliminate any areas of excess moisture.

Spiders

Spiders are carnivores, eating other insects and thriving in wet environments. Increased moisture leads to an increase in the insects that spiders eat as a food resource. Heavy rain and warmer temperatures have created the perfect conditions for insects and spiders to flourish. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: To keep spiders out of your home, keep food put away in tightly sealed storage containers. This will help eliminate ants, roaches and other pests, which will leave spiders with no food source. If the thought of spiders lurking is alarming, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.

The experts at Rentokil agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest problems. With these pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and make sure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.

Flies Mosquitoes Rats Spiders Termites

How to Prevent & Get Rid of Pantry Bugs, Weevils, Beetles, Moths & Pests in Brigham City, UT

Your home’s stored food may be at risk from some of the smallest pests. Many people are unaware of their presence until it is too late. Having to discard your stored goods is wasteful and upsetting. What many people don’t realize is that you can get rid of pantry bugs and prevent them with the proper steps. Rentokil would like to share a few tips on how to get rid of pantry pests and keep them from invading and contaminating your food.

Common Pantry Pests

Confused flour beetle in Brigham City UT — Confused flour beetles in flour.

Some of the most common types of pantry pests are the Confused Flour Beetle, Sawtoothed Grain Beetle, Flour Beetle, Drug Store, or Cigarette Beetle, Spider Beetle, the Bean Weevils, and the Rice, Granary, or Maize Weevils. These pantry pests can invade homes or even be brought into your home in your very own groceries. Most of these pests will feed on starches and grain products, including sugar, flour, nuts, and cereal. There are ways to prevent these invaders, but it comes with some effort. Follow these tips:

1. Inspect Food for Pantry Beetles & Pests

Before using flour, sugar, and spices, it is good to inspect them and check expiration dates. Old and expired pantry food is often exposed to pantry pests and should be discarded. However, this is very wasteful. To prevent waste for long term stored food and ingredients, you may want to consider freezing them. For those who like to buy in bulk and keep certain items in stock for extended periods of time (for example flour), you can freeze them for 48 hours first. If any eggs are in the food you buy, the cold temperatures will kill most pantry pests.

2. Use Bug & Moth Proof Food Storage Containers

Proper storage can prevent contamination from pantry pests and other pests such as rodents and cockroaches. It is recommended that you use airtight containers that can be tightly sealed. Glass or metal containers can protect food better than plastics. Every stored item in your pantry should be sealed and protected, even items such as cereal, nuts, and other snacks.

3. Avoid Bringing Pantry Bugs into Your Kitchen

When you buy groceries to make sure you inspect the packaging and look for damage or product exposure. Avoid poorly packaged food and always check the expiration date. If food has been on the shelf too long, it may be exposed to the pantry pest already. If the eggs have had time to hatch they may already be inside the food.

4. Clean Pantry to Prevent Weevils & Pests

If you have a current pantry pest infestation you will want to purge your pantry. Begin cleaning the pantry and throw away all exposed foods. Next, get airtight or seal-able containers as you replace food. As you clean your pantry, make sure to be thorough. Vacuum the inside and treat the inside of the pantry. Consider applying Diatomaceous Earth. Use a duster and cover the entire pantry with the powder. This will help kill any remaining eggs or small pantry pests that you may have missed. Additionally, it’s a good way to kill pests without adding any chemicals to your food storage. Clean up the diatomaceous earth after 48 hours. Wipe down and thoroughly clean the shelves before placing food inside the pantry.

Year-Round Pest Control

If you need further help to get rid of pantry bugs, it is recommended to contact a professional exterminator. At Rentokil, we offer a number of options designed to protect your property from these pests in the fall, winter, spring, and summer! Contact us today to learn more.

Why Professional Pest Control is Needed & Worth It in Logan, UT! Health Risks & More

Pests such as bugs, arachnids, and rodents commonly invade homes. With effective pest prevention, you can avoid the trouble repairing excessive damage they do. Additionally, preventing pests can spare you the grief of getting bitten and having allergies and asthma attacks triggered as well as the diseases, bacteria, and other unsanitary conditions they spread. Where some pests can be easily avoidable, others can be a challenge. Bearing this in mind, we at Rentokil would like to take a moment to elaborate on why you should have routine professional pest control services taking care of your property.

Why Professional Pest Control Should Be Done Often & Regularly

1) Pests put your health at risk. Common household pests including rodents, ants, ticks, and cockroaches to name a few, carry a number of dangerous diseases that can infect humans and pets. As mentioned, quite a few can induce allergy and asthma symptoms as well as spread disease. Professional pest management programs are truly the best solution to keep you and your family safe from these pests.
2) Pests damage and destroy property. There are many other pests that destroy valuables. Carpet beetles, carpenter ants, and silverfish are destructive pests that can be difficult to detect early on. Silverfish are tiny little bugs that live off of organic fibers. For example, they can easily destroy your photo album of irreplaceable photos, a limited-edition book, or vintage clothing passed down from your grandmother. Structure and possessions are susceptible to pest damage.
3) Perishables and food can be easily contaminated. Something both homeowners and business owners alike are striving for is keeping their food and other perishables protected from pests. Nothing short of a disaster are the cockroaches in a restaurant kitchen on inspection day. Making commercial and residential kitchens a nightmare are ants, rodents, and pantry pests that also contaminate food. Keeping food in air-tight sealable containers can help better protect them.
4) DIY pest control is ineffective. Often very rewarding are the many DIY projects that can keep you busy at work or at home. DIY pest control, however, is one that will fail before it begins. Only meant to be a mere temporary solution, over the counter pest control products available to the public are not a cure. Professional pest control, in the long run, saves you money and is more efficient at keeping the pests out and eliminating the current infestations. The heavily diluted products available to the untrained and unlicensed public are no match for professional treatment.
5) Peace of mind. Potentially hazardous to your health as well as being destructive and a nuisance, pests simply make life miserable. Seeing the scary spider hanging out in your favorite shoe, or a line of marching ants pilfering an unsealed bag of chips, or even cockroaches darting off under the fridge when the lights flicker, can leave you feeling anxious and uncomfortable. Having professional pest control maintenance can give you peace of mind that your home is pest-free.

Pest Management

Call Rentokil for all of your pest control needs and let our certified experts take care of your home or business.

Pigeon Poop Problems in Provo, UT; Diseases & Damage Caused By Nuisance Bird Droppings

Pigeons that we see in our urban areas of Greater Salt Lake City, Utah are descendants of the Rock Dove, a species of pigeon domesticated by humans for food and as pets. The rock doves that were released or escaped became today’s city pigeons. Now you probably can’t imagine a pigeon sitting in a nest as a serious problem. They do however become an issue when their numbers get large and they take up residence in areas they aren’t supposed to. Pigeons do not have natural enemies in urban areas and will reproduce very quickly if they have a place to do it. A well-fed pigeon can produce 25 pounds of droppings every year. That’s a lot of poop! Not only are droppings ugly to look at, but they can also be harmful to your health, cause damage to buildings and become a serious liability.

Diseases Caused by Pigeon Droppings & Feathers

Bird droppings act as a sponge for pathogens and can create many health risks that come from inhaling the spores produced by bird droppings. Some of the diseases that pigeons can transmit include:
• Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that can be deadly. The largest outbreaks of histoplasmosis in the United States occurred in the late 1970s in Indiana. Over 120,000 people became sick and 15 died after a building containing bird droppings was demolished.
• Candidiasis is a yeast or fungus infection that affects the skin, mouth, respiratory system, the intestines, and the urogenital tract.
• Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons. It can lead to pulmonary disease and can affect the central nervous system in later stages.
• Salmonellosis can be found in bird droppings and causes “food poisoning”.
• E. Coli infection is one of the most common infections caused by enteric bacteria.
• Bird droppings and nests that collect around HVAC systems can block airflow into buildings and result in a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
• Pigeons can also introduce parasitic pests like ticks, fleas and bird mites into your home.

Corrosion & Damage Caused by Bird Droppings

Bird droppings can become extremely slippery when they get wet. A man in The Bronx was awarded $1.36 million for the pain and suffering that he endured when he fell down a flight of stairs. The jury agreed that his injuries were caused by pigeon droppings that were left to accumulate on the stairs. Droppings can also become a structural liability. Bird droppings that have been left to accumulate can clog drainage systems, corrosion and other damage to roofs. The roof can then leak and even collapse. Remember how much poop one pigeon can deposit in a year? Multiply that by many birds and you have a problem.

Roosting Bird Control

Other than the fact that birds can be hazardous to your health and property, they can be annoying. Take preventative measures to keep them away and maintain your sanity. The sooner the potential problems are addressed, the better. Call Rentokil for professional bird control services. We have humane options and the experience to keep birds away from your property. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Keep Venomous Spiders Out of Your Orem, UT House, Garage & Shed this Winter

A number of spider species will invade homes during the winter season. Spiders will invade homes for a few reasons; one is to escape the cold. Since other insects will also invade homes for a reliable food source and to also get out of the cold, spiders can often rely on other invading insects for food. While many spider species don’t pose a serious threat, some can. During the winter season, some of the most dangerous spider species will invade your home. Rentokil will share the top three most venomous spiders you may find hiding in your home this winter season.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widows are well known as a venomous species of spiders and can be found in Utah and throughout America. Black widow spiders have an icon symbol and are easily identified, the female particularly. They are larger than the males and are all black with the deep red hourglass marking on the bottom of their abdomen. Females also have that robust circular abdomen while the males are much smaller and have an angular shaped abdomen. Black widow spider bites are most deadly to young children and the elderly and can be very painful. Black widow spiders like to hide in dark places during the day and come out at night to feed.

Hobo Spiders

Hobo spiders don’t have a venomous bite like brown recluse or black widow spiders. What makes them dangerous is their attitude. They are very aggressive spiders and they have a painful bite. Their bites can cause the site to swell and throb with constant pain. The swelling and pain will fade over the course of a few days. Hobo spiders build funnel webs. The females will protect their egg sacs which are when most bites occur. Hobo spiders will invade homes, shed or garages. They can withstand the colder temperatures better than other species but will venture inside in search of food.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are often mistaken for tarantula spiders. The easiest way to identify them is by their eight eyes arranged in three rows. Females are generally larger than the males of these species and females carry their egg sac and babies on their backs. When wolf spiders bite, you may see fang marks and torn skin. Redness, swelling, and pain can occur for up to 10 days. Wolf spider bites are not as dangerous as the black widows or hobo spiders but they can lead to further complications.

How to Prevent Spiders

To protect your home from spiders, start by sealing your home and prevent spiders and other pests from invading during the winter season. However, the best way to keep spiders out is by proactively treating the exterior of your home. This will stop any spiders and insects before they work their way into your home.

Spider Control

If you need the service of a quality pest control service, contact Rentokil. We provide pest control, lawn care and even holiday light installation services. To schedule our services, contact Rentokil today.

Are Carpenter Ants a Problem You Can Treat in Winter in Lehi, UT? Signs of Infestation, Location of Nest & More

Anytime you have a wood-destroying insect in your home, it is stressful. They can end up causing thousands of dollars in property damage if they are left to their devices for long enough. The biggest problem lies in the fact that the signs of their existence are very subtle and they can live in your home undetected for a long period of time. Carpenter ants don’t die in winter. While it is true that colonies may remain dormant when the air temperature is very cold, heat from the sun or furnace may warm house walls and stir dormant ants to activity. Sometimes, carpenter ants may skip their hibernation phase altogether! The key to avoiding costly repairs to your home is early detection. Rentokil are here to talk about some of the subtle signs that may be present when you have a carpenter ant problem in your home.

Difference Between Carpenter Ants & Termites

There are some similarities between carpenter ants and termites, but there are also distinct differences. The biggest difference is their eating habits. Termites actually feed off of wood. This means that as long as they are in your home, they are eating away at the structure. Carpenter ants don’t actually eat the wood they live in, rather they build nests in it. They hollow out structures building their nests larger and larger, but they don’t cause damage near as quickly as termites do. This means that you can hopefully have a little more time to catch the problem before you are faced with severe damage.

Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations

While these pests can live for quite some time before they are detected, there are several subtle signs that are often present with carpenter ant infestations. The following are some of them.
– Sawdust: You may notice small piles of sawdust near baseboards, door jambs, and window sills.
– Noises: As the carpenter ants work to build their nests, you may hear rustling noises behind your walls.
– Ants: The biggest sign of a carpenter ant infestation is the presence of ants themselves. You may notice that they sneak behind your baseboards. You may also notice that they start to shed their wings in these areas as well.

Carpenter Ant Prevention

The best way to prevent carpenter ant damage is to not allow them to make their way into your house in the first place. The following are some tips that will help you prevent a carpenter ant problem before it starts.
– Store firewood away from your home.
– Fix any water leaks as soon as you notice them and before they cause water damage and attract carpenter ants.
– Seal cracks in the foundation with caulking.
– Store food properly to eliminate their food source as well as clean crumbs and other attractants from your home as often as possible.

Carpenter Ant Pest Control

If you have noticed any signs at all of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to call on the professionals at Rentokil as soon as possible. You don’t want to leave carpenter ants in your home to continue to cause damage. We have the experience and training to successfully locate the nest and get rid of any carpenter ant infestation you may have. Call us today!