How Moisture Attracts Carpenter Ants & Termites in the Winter

This weather at this time of year is particularly enticing to carpenter ants, so be mindful

Many homeowners become complacent about household pests during the winter months because termites and ants tend to be less active and visible. But when the winter season gradually turns into spring, snow melt, ice dams, and rain all play a role in attracting pests to your home.

This article will discuss how end-of-winter weather brings pests into your home and a few tips for homeowners about how to eliminate excess moisture in the house. With proper termite control and carpenter ant control, you can get your home ready for spring with minimal hassles and cost.

The Risks of Post-Winter Weather  

Anyone who’s lived through a New Jersey winter knows that this time of year can be tough for homeowners. When the snow and ice begins to melt and early spring rains begin to fall, excess moisture starts collecting in and around residential homes. Moisture is naturally attractive for pests, such as termites and carpenter ants, because pests need a steady supply of water to survive. However, some pests can be avoided and controlled by reducing the amount of moisture and humidity in a space.

End-of-Winter Termite Control

Termites are known for loving wood, but they also love discovering a source of water in the form of excess moisture. Termites thrive in moist areas, and dense brush and vegetation can create an environment that welcomes these pests into your home.

We specialize in termite control, and we will come to your home or business to do a free and complete evaluation of all your access points. Termites can cause thousands of dollars of property damage to your home, so don’t delay calling for professional help as soon as you notice signs of pests.

End-of-Winter Carpenter Ant Control

Carpenter ants like to set up nests in areas where wood has been exposed to severe moisture. To manage carpenter ant control, it is advisable to let a professional find the nest. Once found, it can be removed or treated chemically. However, all moisture conditions that the ants found to be conducive must be corrected as well.

At Precise Pest Control, we also are experts in carpenter ant control and understand how tricky of a problem an ant infestation really is. This weather at this time of year is particularly enticing to carpenter ants, so be mindful of early warning signs like small piles of wood shavings and sounds inside your walls.

Household Tips for Moisture Control

Not only does excess moisture bring in pests, but it also causes damage to the structure of your home on its own. Fortunately, there are also a lot of things you can do around the house to prevent excessive moisture build-up and the pests that it often brings. Keep these tips in mind as you get your household ready for the spring season in New Jersey.

  • Keep gutters clear of debris
  • Trim bushes back away from the house
  • Fix pipes that leak
  • Use dehumidifiers in basements and other humid areas of the home
  • Ensure that sprinklers are positioned to spray away from the house
  • Don’t allow water to stand in flower pots, wheelbarrows, etc.
  • Keep your crawlspace dry and free of debris