In nature, carpenter ants can be beneficial. They help in the decomposition of dead and decaying tress. When they invade homes, however, they can be destructive. In homes, they are attracted to moist wood and certain insulation. But can insulation help prevent carpenter ants from targeting your home, instead?

Carpenter ant behavior. Do carpenter ants eat insulation or wood? The answer to both is no. Their diet depends on various sources of protein and sugar. This can include insects, honey, meat and pet food. Do ants live in insulation? Yes. When carpenter ants settle indoors, they become destructive because of their nesting habits. They build two types of nests, a main nest and a satellite nest. The main nest must be constantly damp in order to support eggs, but satellite nests – which contain only workers, pupae and mature larvae – are often located in drier areas. Damaged insulation may have collected moisture and support a main ant nest. Undamaged insulation is dry and may support satellite nests. So, do ants live in insulation?

Ants and insulation. Can ants live in insulation or can ants get through insulation? Yes, they can do both. This is the reason why carpenter ants that settle indoors can cause damage. Moist wood and fiberglass or foam insulation provide ideal locations for ant nests. Do ants eat insulation? Not quite. But, when forming their nests, ants chew through both wood and insulation to create tunnels through which they can travel. While this might make it seem impossible to install any type of insulation, at least one type of insulation can actually help control pests. The question is, “How will insulation help prevent carpenter ants?”

Types of insulation. If fiberglass and foam insulation attract various pests, cellulose insulation actually acts as a deterrent. This is because cellulose insulation is coated in special treatments, such as boric acid, which works as a flame retardant and helps prevent fungus. Boric acid is also one of the most effective methods to help control pests. Terminix® offers insulation services as part of a complete pest protection package.

Can ants eat through insulation? Yes. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo it. Insulation is an important energy saver and noise barrier. The right type of insulation can also be a pest deterrent. If you need help picking the right insulation to protect your home and family, call Terminix. With the help of a pest management professional, you can have your insulation and help prevent pests too.