big black ants

 So far, I've found a total of 3 big black ants in the house this spring.
These look like carpenter ants.  Two were crawling around upstairs (each
found several weeks apart) but one was found in the kitchen the day before
the 2nd upstairs visitor was found.   Other than the 3 ants I've found so
far, I'm not able to see or hear any other evidence of activity, but granted
I don't have x-ray vision, etc.

At this point would it wise to be immediately be seeking professional pest
control treatment, or could this likely be a waste of my money?    I'm
imagining that a pest-control company would typically tell the homeowner
their house definitely needs professional pest-control treatment (since
treatment is what they get paid for).    If only a professional can
determine this, then how do I know they are telling the truth (since they
are biased because they get paid to do the treatment)?

Thanks,

J.

  By the way, I'm using Combat bait station traps.  What else should I be
doing?

Thanks,

J.

 

This is a good question. To get unbiased help on services such as carpenter
ants/termites, or foundation problems for that matter.. call either a home
inspector, or a structural engineer.  You don't want to take any chances
with anything that can destroy your home.  If it were another type of pest,
I would recommend a product, but not with carpenter ants.
You are definitely right in that people who sell pest control products have
a product to sell.. as do all the foundation repair companies. We've had to
deal with the latter in a rent house. After that experience, we wised up.
Hope this helps,
lucy

 GMT, jay wrote:


http://www.unexco.com/carpants.html

--
Seth Goodman

 That's a really good article.  Carpenter ants on the second floor is
cause for alarm but it would be far better to find the cause than treat
the symptom.