Family Home Pest Control
503-452-9965
Also know as Camponotus, there are three different species
Componotus Modak
Componotus Vicenus
Comopontus Essaguy
Nesting in damp locations, carpenter ants prefer to excavate wood that has been damaged by water. From their nests in the beams, floors or walls, they scavenge a house for food crumbs and insects. Carpenter ants may occur in several colors, although the most important species are black. One of the largest members of the ant family, carpenter ants take their name from their habit of chewing passageways (called "galleries") inside wood. They live in these galleries and make excursions, most often at night, to hunt for food and water.
These ants often set up satellite colonies inside homes from parent colonies located outside in a tree or landscape timber. Carpenter ants nest in both moist and dry wood, but prefer wood which is moist. Consequently, the nests are more likely to be found in wood dampened by water leaks, such as around sinks, bathtubs, poorly sealed windows/ door frames, roof leaks and poorly flashed chimneys. Nests are especially common in moist, hollow spaces such as the wall void behind a dishwasher, or in a hollow porch column. Since there often will be no external signs of damage, probing the wood with a screwdriver helps reveal the excavated galleries.
Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile)
Characteristics
Size: About 1/8-inch long.
Color: Brown.
If crushed, the workers give off a rotten coconut odor or cleaning product, hence their name.
Behavior
Odorous house ants may develop huge colonies containing thousands of workers and numerous queens. This species may be difficult to control and does not feed much on ant baits. The keys to control are to find the colonies and subcolonies and treat them directly. Regular inspections and service are necessary to find and treat new colonies as they move in from neighboring properties. The services of a professional, such as Family Home Pest Control, are very helpful when encountering these ants.
Habitat
This species is common in California north to Washington and is the most common pest ant in the mid-south region of Arkansas and West Tennessee. They may be encountered occasionally throughout the Midwestern United States. These ants nest outdoors under items on the ground, within landscape mulch, beneath loose bark on trees, under ground cover, in potted plants, and within piles of items, such as lumber, firewood, or bricks. Nests may readily be established inside homes, in walls, beneath carpeting, and other suitable voids or spaces.
Tips for Control
This ant can be difficult to control because it establishes multiple subcolonies and may
nest in such a wide variety of sites. The keys to control are to find the colonies and subcolonies and treat them directly. Where the colonies cannot be found, baits may be attempted; however, several baits may be required before positive results are seen. Regular inspections and service are necessary to find and treat new colonies as they move in from neighboring properties.
General tips for limiting ant infestations include:
1) Eliminate piles of lumber, bricks, or other
debris that could serve as a nesting site for ants.
2) Keep landscape mulch less than 2 inches thick
and at least 12 inches away from foundations.
3) Ensure the sprinkler system does not spray
directly onto the foundation
4) Seal as many cracks in the home's exterior as possible.
5) Keep tree and shrub branches trimmed
to prevent from touching the building.
------------------------------------------------------------
Cockroaches can wreak havoc on your home.
To win the war in cockroach control, here’s what you should know:
Entry:
Cockroaches can enter your home in many different ways, from the outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes. We even bring them in on products like grocery bags, boxes, purses and on our person!
Ideal environment: Your home is an ideal breeding ground most species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, they can remain active all year round.
Your home is an ideal breeding ground most species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, they can remain active all year round.Reproduction:
Cockroaches reproduce quickly. For every one you see there can be many, many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.
Evasiveness:
Because cockroaches are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day could mean they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.
Allergies/Asthma:
The dust created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
Do-it-yourself ineffectiveness:
Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle.
This site is in the process of being updated.
Call 503-452-9965
familyhomepest@gmail.com
