How to Control Carpenter Ants: A Complete Guide
Carpenter ants are one of the most common and frustrating pests homeowners can face here in the northwest. Unlike termites, which feed on wood, carpenter ants burrow into wood to build their nests, often causing significant damage over time. If you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s important to take action quickly before the problem gets worse and you have to pay a lot of money for home repairs.
Today, we’ll explore how to control carpenter ants, from identifying the signs of an infestation to choosing the right treatments to protect your home.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are large, black or reddish ants that are typically found outdoors, but they often invade homes in search of food and shelter. They don’t actually eat wood like termites do. Instead, they tunnel through wood to create their nests, which can weaken the structure of your home over time. Carpenter ants are particularly attracted to moist or decaying wood, so areas like basements, attics, and behind walls are prime targets. Once they have started a nest in moist wood they can continue building it into sound wood furthering damage to your home.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Before you can control carpenter ants, you need to recognize the signs of an infestation:
- Sawdust or Wood Shavings (Frass): One of the most noticeable signs is the presence of fine wood shavings near baseboards, windowsills, or door jambs. Carpenter ants push these shavings out of their nests.
- Noises in the Walls: If you hear faint rustling or scratching sounds inside your walls, it could be carpenter ants working on their nests.
- Ant Trails: Carpenter ants leave behind trails as they move between their nest and food sources. These trails are often seen along walls, floors, or countertops.
- Visible Ants: If you see large, black or reddish ants inside your home, particularly near areas where you’ve had water damage to wood, it could be a good indication of a carpenter ant problem.
How to Control Carpenter Ants
Once you’ve identified an infestation, it’s important to take steps to control and eliminate the ants. Here’s a guide to managing the problem:
1. Locate the Nest
The first step in controlling carpenter ants is locating their nest. Since carpenter ants often create nests in hidden areas, you may need to investigate your home thoroughly. Check for damp or decaying wood, as these are prime locations for nests. If you find one nest, there are likely more nearby, so be sure to check other areas of your home.
2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Carpenter ants are constantly searching for food and water. Eliminate any easily accessible food sources, such as crumbs, pet food, or spilled liquids. Make sure food is stored in airtight containers, and clean up any messes immediately. Fix any leaky pipes or areas of moisture in your home, as carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood.
3. Seal Entry Points
To prevent carpenter ants from entering your home, seal any cracks or gaps in the foundation, around windows, and doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to block potential entry points. Pay particular attention to areas where plumbing or electrical wiring enters your home.
4. Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are an effective way to control carpenter ants. These baits contain a slow acting poison that worker ants carry back to their nests, where it’s shared with the queen and other ants. This method ensures that the entire colony is affected, not just the ants you see. Place baits near ant trails or areas where you’ve seen activity.
5. Use Insecticides
Insecticides can be one of the best ways to control carpenter ants. You just need to make sure to use the right ones. Sometimes people buy kill on contact pesticides for carpenter ants which is NOT what you want to do. Instead you want to use a pesticide with a transferable effect. Meaning they will spread the product throughout the colony. Just make sure to follow the label for places that you can and can’t apply it to.
6. Consider Professional Help
If the infestation is large or difficult to manage, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. Experts have access to more powerful treatments and can identify and eliminate nests that you may have missed. They’ll also be able to assess the extent of the damage and help prevent future infestations. If you need help with a carpenter ant problem Spud Pest can help! Spudpest.com
Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve successfully eliminated the carpenter ants, the key to long-term control is prevention. Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect Your Home Regularly: Periodically check your home for signs of carpenter ants, particularly in areas with wood or moisture issues.
- Keep Wood Trim in Good Condition: Maintain and repair wood trim and structures to prevent rot, which attracts carpenter ants.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Carpenter ants often travel along tree branches and shrubs. Keep these plants trimmed away from your home to reduce the risk of ants gaining access to your house.
- Keep the Home Dry: Since carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, make sure your home is well-ventilated and free of water leaks.
Conclusion
Carpenter ants can be a serious problem if not dealt with quickly and effectively. By identifying the signs of an infestation early and taking the right steps to eliminate the ants, you can protect your home from potential damage. Whether you choose DIY methods or call in a professional, controlling carpenter ants is crucial for the health and integrity of your home.
Stay vigilant, keep your home dry, and always address potential issues before they become major problems.
Citations:
(n.d.). Carpenter Ant Facts * Information. Orkin.com. https://www.orkin.com/pests/ants/carpenter-ants
(n.d.). Prevention & Control. Illinois Department of Public Health. https://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pccarpenterants.htm
(n.d.). Carpenter Ants. Smithsonian. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/carpenter-ants