Are Carpenter Ants Active Year-Round In Florence, SC?
We have a wide variety of ants in Florence and throughout South Carolina. You may have noticed them building mounds in your yard, climbing on your vegetation, scaling your walls, and even making visits inside your home. If left uncontrolled, they can cause significant trouble. One of the most harmful ants is the carpenter ant, and they can remain active year-round in this environment. In today's post, we'll explore the conditions that promote carpenter ant infestations, how these ants can damage homes and structures, and how our local pest control can prevent carpenter ants from taking over.
Carpenter ants in the winter
You are probably aware that carpenter ants are active in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. However, you might be wondering if they remain active during the winter months as well. The answer is yes and here are few factors that contribute to infestations in the winter.
- They don't hibernate
Even if our temperatures dropped below freezing and remained there for a while, carpenter ants would not hibernate. They don’t hibernate anywhere; rather, they enter a low-energy state called diapause. In this state, they slow down or stop moving altogether. They enter diapause in response to a lack of favorable conditions, such as a lack of heat, moisture, or food sources, but if carpenter ants have these things in the winter, they'll stay active. - Why they infest wood
Carpenter ants tunnel in wood to create a cavity for their nests. Homes that have water damage and wood decay invite these ants. If they get into the wood of your home and find a warm spot and access to water and food, they can expand their tunnels, even in winter. - How they exploit cracks, gaps, and openings
Carpenter ants often enter homes through entry points that already exist. If you have cracks in your foundation or exterior walls, it is a good idea to seal them. These ants can use them to enter and start to damage your home once they get inside.
While carpenter ants can stay active all year long, they typically start to ramp up their activity in March, depending on the weather. All they need are a few warm days to stir them out of diapause, assuming they had to enter it at all.
What do carpenter ants do in a home?
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood, so you don't have to worry about extensive wood damage with these ants. Their tunneling activities can weaken support timbers though. Over time, if not dealt with, floors can start to stink down, walls can warp, and ceilings can sag.
Along with tunneling in the wood of your home, these ants raid kitchen cabinets and pantries. While they can find all the food they need outdoors, they're happy to live off your generosity. If they feed on your food, they're likely to do so at night. Carpenter ants are mostly nocturnal insects. That means they'll come out to feed while you're sound asleep (assuming you don't work the night shift).
How do homeowners in Florence and the Pee Dee region get rid of carpenter ants?
Harris Pest Control recommends signing up for a year-round home pest control plan to get rid of these large black ants and to prevent new infestations from developing in your home or on your property. When you sign up for one of our local pest control company’s residential plans, we will perform an initial inspection and treatment to exterminate carpenter ants (and other pests that are active in your home) and then return regularly to prevent new pest problems from arising. Check out our plans and pricing below to find a pest control solution for your home!
Interested In Adding Moisture Control?
At Harris Pest Control, our 50+ years of industry experience have taught us that no two homes are the same.
If you're searching for a residential plan that includes a yearly moisture service, we've got you!
Or Call For Details (843) 665-4325
Don’t wait for carpenter ants to infest, contact Harris today!
Contact Harris Pest Control today for effective pest control services in Florence, Effingham, Myrtle Beach, and throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions. You have nothing to lose but the pests!
Additional Services
Get Started Today!
