Carpenter Ants have made a home in this damaged log found in an area of the house which had been exposed to constant moisture. Carpenter Ants frequently attack decayed wood and can cause extensive damage by hollowing out the logs. It is important to determine the reason the ants are nesting in the structure, than to exterminate them. Your home is much more at risk from water damage, which attracts carpenter ants, than from the ants themselves. Water, fungal and insect damage have made it necessary for extensive restoration to be completed on this home.

For more information on Carpenter Ants: Click HERE

Round, dime sized holes with a small pile of sawdust are an indication of Carpenter Bees. Carpenter bees have become a serious threat to log and wooden sided homes in Ontario in the last several years. The female bores a hole approximately one to two inches deep and then will turn and hollow along the grain of the wood to create tunnels where she will lay her eggs. Carpenter bees are attracted to exposed saw cuts, nail holes and raw lumber. The best defense is to maintain a surface well protected by a good quality stain. If infestation occurs, there are insecticides which can be used to kill the young bees as they emerge from the holes. Do not plug the holes until the bees have been destroyed as they will often burrow a new hole to escape.