It’s that time of year, when Carpenter ants are claiming their territory in your home! Spring is their budding season, so they begin to wake with warmer temperatures. Although sometimes these pests go unnoticed, you may catch them in action in your home. Carpenter ants are known to damage wood by using their woodcutting mandibles. If you dare to threaten their nest, they will strike back!
These pests are equipped to chomp down. But what if they bite you? Their bite can break your skin and leave sizeable marks. The marks will be pea-sized red blemishes. Individuals who have sensitive skin, may also experience swelling or inflammation. The bites can take almost up to a week to disappear! They will feel like a sharp pinch on impact and can be painful even after. Similar to bee stings, formic acid can be injected from the ant’s bite into your skin. This can worsen the pain, accompanied by a burning sensation. Although painful, the good news is that these bites cannot transmit diseases. They also do not have any venom, which means they are non-threatening to a human’s life.
If you do experience a bite, be sure to clean the wound with soap and warm water. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment to any broken skin. Avoid scratching the wound and use ice to help relieve any itchiness.
Remember Carpenter ants can be found behind walls, in decks, window sills or near any wooden structure. Wood is their food source and they like to build their nests close by. Make sure to also take care of any house problems that may attract these pests. Problems such as leaky windows or overgrown trees leaning onto your house.
Call Advantage Pest Control for Carpenter Ant Problems in Toronto and surrounding areas!
– Paolo Bossio
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