By Bob Villa
Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Unlike termites,
wood damaged by carpenter ants does not contain mud-like debris. Instead,
carpenter ant nests have a smooth, sandpapered appearance. Carpenter ants
typically establish colonies in a moist environment, but will nest in dry wood.
Moist areas around windows, leaky roofs and chimneys, bathtubs and sinks, and
exterior areas that are in contact with soil are a prime breeding ground.
Control carpenter ants by destroying their nests, and eliminating conditions
that encourage colonies to nest. Often, ants found inside the home may actually
nest outdoors. Old stumps, untreated landscaping timber, and dead or dying
trees are common nesting grounds. Before the ants move indoors as colonies
expand, remove potential nesting areas near the house.
Routine
household maintenance will go a long way in preventing
carpenter ant infestation. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of
infestation:
• Ants are attracted to moist wood. Repair roof and plumbing leaks, leaky
chimney flashing,
overflowing gutters, and all other water infiltration
problems to avoid creating a tempting nesting area.
• Trim trees and bushes that touch a home’s roofing and siding. Ants nesting
in dead branches use the limbs as a bridge to the house.
• Examine your foundation for cracks, and tightly seal openings where
pipes and wires enter the house.
• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact, especially where landscaping comes in
contact with the house. Use a non-organic if you suspect the area where you
live has an infestation problem.
• Don’t store firewood directly on the ground. Instead, elevate it with a
non-organic material (bricks work well). Don’t store firewood indoors, and
always examine it before bringing it inside.
Home Maintenance Checklist
Keep
your home in shape year-round
1. Roof: Check the roof and around vents, skylights, and
chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open
year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3. Gutters: Clean the gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them
and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain
outside faucets.
4. Fireplace: Clean the fireplace of ashes. (Fall)
Check the chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have the
chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure the damper closes tightly. (Spring)
Leave the damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not
air-conditioned.
5. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month,
or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and
room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and
draperies.
6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon
monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace
batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7. Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove
window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are
airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the
bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be
replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils
at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with
clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty
one.
9. Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and
bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you
added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home,
it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11. Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if
removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and
store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window
screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house
siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for
cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both
directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old
caulk bead intact.
13. Basement: Check the basement walls and floor for
dampness. Be sure to clean the dehumidifier regularly, if
you have one.
14. Heating System: (Fall) Have the heating system serviced.
Change filters.
15. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain the hot water heater.
Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
From Bob Villa
