Is it worth getting an exterminator for ants?

Yes, Birch Fumigators offers carpenter ant pest control in Sherwood Park. We have a team of experienced and certified exterminators who can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Contact us today to book your free consultation.

Professional exterminators typically use a combination of methods to control ant infestations, including:

1. Baits: Ant baits contain a slow-acting insecticide that ants take back to their colony, ultimately killing the queen and the entire colony.
2. Sprays: Exterminators may use residual insecticides to kill foraging ants and prevent future ant activity.
3. Dusts: Fine insecticide dusts can be applied in wall voids, cracks, and crevices to kill ants and their nests.

The specific method used will depend on the type of ant, the location of the infestation, and the severity of the problem. Professional exterminators have access to a wide range of products and will choose the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific ant problem.

To find a carpenter ant nest, begin by conducting a thorough inspection of the property, both indoors and outdoors. Look for signs of infestation, such as frass (sawdust-like material), damaged wood, and live ants, particularly the winged reproductive ants called swarmers. Pay close attention to areas with water damage or excessive moisture, as carpenter ants prefer nesting in moist wood. Observe ant trails between their nest and food sources, inspecting walls, baseboards, window frames, and door frames where ants have been seen.

In some cases, specialized equipment and techniques may be necessary to locate the nest. This can include using bait to follow ants back to their nest, employing moisture meters or infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture, or using acoustic detectors to identify the sounds produced by ants as they chew through the wood. Once the general location of the nest has been determined, visual confirmation might require removing sections of the wall or floor or using a boroscope to inspect hidden areas without causing significant damage to the structure.

There could be a number of reasons why you suddenly have carpenter ants. It could be that there is a food or water source attracting them to your property. It could also be that the weather has warmed up and they are becoming more active after a period of dormancy. If you see carpenter ants on your property, it’s important to call a professional exterminator like Birch Fumigators so we can determine the cause and get rid of them.

Carpenter ants are most active at night, so one of the first signs of their presence is seeing them crawling around your property after dark. Ant hills or mounds of sawdust near wood structures on your property are also a telltale sign of carpenter ants.

The best control for ants depends on the type of ants you have. For example, carpenter ants are best controlled with baits, while fire ants are best controlled with pesticides.