Carpenter ants can be a nuisance in any home or business, causing structural damage by burrowing into wood. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but create tunnels and nests inside it, weakening structures over time. If left unchecked, a carpenter ant infestation can lead to costly repairs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of carpenter ants from taking over your property.
Before getting rid of carpenter ants, it’s essential to confirm their presence. Here’s how to identify them:
- Size and Color: Carpenter ants are large, usually between 6-12 mm in length. They can be black, red, or a combination of both.
- Wings: Winged carpenter ants (swarmers) resemble termites but have larger wings in the front than in the back.
- Wood Shavings: These ants push wood debris (frass) out of their tunnels, often found in small piles near entry points.
- Rustling Noises: You may hear faint rustling sounds inside walls or wooden beams as the ants excavate tunnels.
- Ant Trails: They often travel in trails, particularly between their nest and a food source.
Step-by-Step Guide on how to get rid of carpenter ants
- Locate the Nest
Carpenter ants establish their nests in moist or decayed wood, often in walls, attics, or basements. To find their nest:
- Follow their movement, especially at night when they are most active.
- Check areas with water damage or damp wood.
- Tap on wooden surfaces; a hollow sound may indicate tunneling.
- Use Bait and Insecticides
Once you’ve identified their nest, apply effective treatment methods:
- Carpenter Ant Baits: Ant baits containing boric acid or insect growth regulators are effective in poisoning the colony. Worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, eliminating the queen and larvae.
- Insecticide Sprays: Directly spraying a nest with pyrethroid-based insecticides can kill ants on contact. However, this does not always reach the entire colony.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder dehydrates ants and is safe to use around pets and children. Apply it along ant trails and entry points.
- Remove the Nest and Damaged Wood
After eliminating the ants, remove their nest to prevent reinfestation. If the nest is inside a wall, it may require professional help to repair the damage.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten rid of carpenter ants, take these steps to keep them from coming back:
- Eliminate Moisture
- Fix leaking pipes, gutters, and roof leaks.
- Ensure proper ventilation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture.
- Seal Entry Points
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls, foundations, and windows.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the house to prevent ants from gaining access.
- Replace rotting wood in and around your home.
- Maintain Cleanliness
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep counters, floors, and sinks clean from crumbs and spills.
- Remove woodpiles or dead tree stumps near your home, as they can attract carpenter ants.
If you have a severe carpenter ant infestation, DIY methods may not be enough. Contacting a pest control professional can help locate and eliminate hidden nests, ensuring long-term protection. Professionals use advanced methods like fumigation or foam insecticides to reach deep nests within walls and wooden structures.
Also Read: How to bleed brakes when bleeder valves won’t open
