Don’t let the up-and-down temperatures of late winter fool you. Chances
are good the warm days of spring are still a few weeks away, meaning
most pests will remain in winter mode a bit longer. That means most of
them continue to prefer the warmth of your home or business to
unpredictable outdoor conditions.
Until consistently warm temperatures arrive, insects, including ants, may be
hiding in your home. At first glance these tiny invaders may seem
harmless, but if left unchecked, they can wreak havoc and cause significant
damage. In this blog we’ll delve into potential risks posed by overwintering
ants, paying specific attention to carpenter ants.

Unwanted Houseguests
Have you spotted an ant this winter? Don’t assume cold temperatures will
freeze them. Insects of all kinds have remarkable skills that allow them to
survive all but the harshest conditions.
Allowing ants to overwinter in your home can result in a cascade of serious
problems. These pests often crawl into warm buildings for shelter. Homes
are favorites as most are not only warm but offer access to food and water.
Once inside they quickly get down to business by building nests and
reproducing at an alarming rate. Their activities can quickly escalate into a
full-blown infestation, which can prove challenging to control.
Nest building is only the beginning of harmful behavior. Ants routinely
become household troublemakers by inflicting damage on your property.
They have a knack for chewing through wood, drywall, and
weatherproofing. Ants can also damage electrical insulation, causing
electrical fires.
If that’s not enough, their droppings and saliva can contaminate your food
and surfaces, posing health risks.

Watch out for Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the most common pests around. They live in
outdoor environments such as dead trees and discarded lumber, and in
occupied homes and active businesses across the continental United
States.
These insects tunnel through wood to create nests and will cause
significant damage if left undisturbed. Voids left by their activities weaken
structural integrity leading to sagging floors, bowed walls, and even
collapse.
Like house ants, carpenter ants also present health hazards. They carry
diseases including salmonella and E. coli. You don’t want to mess with
either of these illnesses! FYI: carpenter ants do not sting but they do bite
and can spray irritating formic acid into the wound if not removed quickly.
Fortunately, carpenter ants are not the most destructive insects that you
can have in a home. That distinction goes to termites, which can cause
more damage much faster. However, you want to pay attention to ensure
neither is attacking your structures!
In general, carpenter ants are easier to detect than termites. Most termite
species eat wood instead of just burrowing through it. Because carpenter
ants don’t digest wood, they dispose of the excavated material and look for
food beyond their nests. This allows them to be seen upon occasion, often
at night when they’re foraging for meals.
Because they’re usually hidden during the day, homeowners often don’t
notice a problem immediately. However, an experienced pest management
professional can spot telltale signs, follow evidence to the nesting site, and
apply treatment.

Tips for Guarding Against Ants
These practices not only discourage ants from attacking your place but will
also prevent other pests from coming in as well!

• Seal cracks and crevices around your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Promptly clean spills and remove crumbs.
• Regularly take trash out of your house.

KC Pest Control has been keeping central Oklahoma ant-free for over 45
years. Our proven pest control methods are effective and competitively
priced. Let us help you achieve a pest-free home, just as we’ve done for
thousands of satisfied residents and business owners.