Discovering ants in your home can be alarming. When there’s one, more usually follow. One way to be proactive is to determine if it’s a carpenter or black ant. Here’s what you should know about how these two pests differ and how an exterminator can help.

Black Ants

Black ants are minuscule insects that measure about .2 inches long. They’re typically found nesting in the soil around your home, beneath paving slabs, and around walls. Their nests resemble small mounds of earth. The queen measures approximately .4 inches long. Colonies can contain anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 worker ants.

When you find one or more inside your home, it’s typically because they’re in search of sustenance. They won’t leave your home until their source of nourishment is removed, after which they’ll retreat back to their normal habitat outside the house. If they linger, it’s best to have an exterminator check on the source of the problem.

Carpenter Ants

There are a number of different types of carpenter ants. Black carpenter ants are among the most common; these typically measure anywhere from a quarter of an inch to half an inch long. While black ants remain outdoors unless drawn inside for food, carpenter ants can spend considerable time both inside and outside the house. Their nests are most often near damp wood.

Their name comes from the fact that they eat through wood, from drywall to furniture. If you discover small bite marks, have an exterminator investigate promptly or risk more widespread damage that could ultimately affect your home’s structural integrity.

Are you seeking a reliable exterminator to resolve your pest control woes? Turn to the team at Central Tennessee Termite & Pest Control in Cookeville. The company can deal with your ant problem so that you can get back to your normal routine. They also offer termite treatments, moisture control, and roach control. They even earned first place honors for Control in the Upper Cumberland area in the Herald-Citizen 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards. Visit their website for more information or call (931) 526-2033 to schedule an appointment.