We have been finding ants in the lower level of our bi-level home for a few years. Just found damaged drywall that the ants have tunneled through. I imagine we will have to rip it all out. What should we replace it with? Is there an insect proof wall board?

Dear Barbara,
Your first course of action is to locate the colony. They're probably all over your foundation. Exterminate the ants and repair the drywall. There is no insect proof drywall that I've ever heard of. Check your studs also. If the little buggers have tunneled through the drywall, they've probably eaten into the wood also. I think a good exterminator is in order. Ants are by far, the hardest insects to get rid of.
Len

[This message has been edited by Iceman (edited February 19, 2002).]

The bug guy that we called thinks that the damage was done by termites and the ants moved in afterward. I suppose this is possible because I did see swarming termites on the opposite side of the house last summer. So I guess we will be treating the house for both. Thanks for the advice. I sure hope we can get rid of the bugs! I am a bit apprehensive about the chemicals but I really don't want to live with ants or termites!

Dear Barbara,
Be aware that ants also swarm. When the colony gats to large to support itself, the ants will breed a new queen and grow wings as termites do. Then they will find a new place to breed. It can be ten feet to miles away. The new home will be whatever supports them. They're kind of like my inlaws; except my wife would exterminate me if I took action. LOL
Len

I'm pretty sure they were termites. I have a book that shows winged ants side by side with termites and I thought they looked like the termites, although a local bug spraying company told me they were only ants. I took a sample into the CU Extension Office here in town and they said they were termites. I called a nationally know bug company this time. Can't wait to be (relatively) bug free!
Play nice with your in-laws!