Carpenter Ant Exterminator in Montreal

Why are carpenter ants a problem?

Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites, but they can dig into it to build galleries. Over time, a well-established colony can weaken certain areas of the building and point to a humidity or water-infiltration problem that needs to be corrected.

They can be present in walls, ceilings, window frames, beams, floors, porches, decks, dead trees or areas of damp wood around the house.

The earlier the infestation is detected, the easier it is to limit its progression and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Why not treat only the visible ants?

Treating only the visible ants can give a false impression of control. Carpenter ants can travel far from the main nest, and part of the activity may be in the walls, damp wood, ceilings, foundations or satellite nests.

A poorly targeted surface treatment can temporarily reduce the number of ants without reaching the source of the problem. If the nests, trails and favourable conditions are not identified, the activity can come back.

That is why SOS Extermination starts with an inspection of the signs of activity, damp areas, trails, access points and the places where nests may be present.

Carpenter ants and wood damage: what you need to know

Carpenter ants often look for damp, weakened or already damaged wood. They can settle into window frames, exterior walls, decks, beams, floors, porches, dead trees or wood in contact with the ground.

The problem is not just the presence of the ants. Their activity can also reveal water infiltration, poor ventilation, a damp area or a weakened structure.

An effective intervention must therefore treat the ants, but also identify the conditions that support their presence. Without correcting the humidity or the access points, the problem can come back.

What attracts carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are often attracted to areas that offer humidity, weakened wood, food and access to the building. By correcting these factors, it is possible to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Carpenter ants are encouraged by:

• damp or rotting wood;
• water infiltration;
• damaged window frames;
• wooden decks or porches;
• dead trees or stumps near the building;
• firewood stacked against the house;
• branches touching the roof or walls;
• exterior cracks and openings;
• accessible sweet or greasy food;
• poor ventilation in certain areas;
• humidity in walls, basements or crawl spaces.

To reduce the risks, fix water infiltration, keep wood away from the building, replace damaged wood, seal openings and keep damp areas under control.

How do carpenter ants get into a house?

Carpenter ants can enter through small openings or use exterior elements to reach the building. They can also settle into wood that is already damp or weakened.

Cracks, joints and exterior openings

Cracks in the foundations, joints around windows, gaps near doors, openings in the masonry and poorly sealed areas can serve as entry points.

Branches, trees, decks and firewood

Branches touching the building, dead trees, stumps, porches, decks and firewood near the foundations can make it easier for carpenter ants to get in.

Damp areas and damaged wood

Damp window frames, walls affected by water, weakened beams, damaged floors and poorly ventilated areas can attract carpenter ants and encourage them to settle in.

When should you call a professional carpenter ant exterminator?

It is best to call an exterminator at the first signs, especially if you see ants repeatedly indoors or notice traces near wood.

You see big black ants indoors

A repeated presence of big black ants in the house, especially in spring or summer, can indicate activity linked to a nearby or established colony.

You find fine sawdust

Fine sawdust near baseboards, windows, walls, decks or beams can indicate that the ants are digging galleries in the wood.

You see winged ants

Winged ants can indicate a mature colony. If they appear indoors, it is best to request an inspection quickly.

The problem comes back every year

If the ants come back to the same spot every spring or summer, there may be an active nest, a damp area or an uncorrected access point.

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