Over 12,000 species of ants exist. They can be in two groups: those that are only bothersome but not harmful and those that can cause severe damage. Both indoor and outdoor spaces may be home to these critters, but carpenter ants are one species in particular that you don’t want to live in your house or garden. Even though they hardly ever bite, carpenter ants are named for how they harm the wood that makes up your home and furniture. They are usually large, measuring between 1/2″ and 5/8″, red-black, all-red, all-black, or all-brown.
Like all ant colonies, carpenter ants begin with ants that ransack your house in search of the best places to feed or stay. Once they’ve found a good food source, their mates (the “workers”) continue on the trail and begin building nests in your wall.
If you’ve seen those wandering carpenter ants and begin spotting piles of what appear to be wood shavings, Congratulations! You’ve probably found these little explorers. Here’s what to do next if you’re wondering how to get rid of carpenter ants:
1.Create A Trap To Find The Nest
Finding the nest and killing the queen are the best ways to eliminate carpenter ants. Carpenter ants commonly nest indoors close to sinks, tubs, and other areas with high moisture levels. In the outdoors, look around tree stumps, firewood piles, and wooden structures that have apparent moisture damage. Pest control professionals advise putting out a trap so you can find the nest simply by observing the ant carry it back to the nest. Since they enjoy sweets, a small amount of jelly or jam may be adequate. You can combine sugar and baking soda, then put the mixture in a bowl. Although the sugar attracts ants, baking soda naturally kills them. Also read about how to keep Honey Bees away form home.
2.Take The Nest Down
Apply insecticide dust by drilling in the area where you think the nest maybe once you’ve located it by following the ants. Boric acid should then be “puffed” through the holes using a bulb duster. Additionally, non-toxic borax, boric acid, or diatomaceous earth are options. The procedure might need to be repeated several times. Spray some liquid insecticide on the nest if it is outside.
3.Reduce The Chance Of Nesting
Trim dead branches off of trees and remove rotting stumps. Avoid letting tree branches touch the roof of your house. Repair any wood impacted by water on a structure, and store lumber or firewood far from it.
4.Takeout Food Sources And Standing Water
By avoiding easily accessible food sources, you can eliminate anything pests need to survive. Many of the problems will be stopped by cleaning or storing food. Keep your gutters clean and in good condition, and level ground near fences or other structures where water may accumulate. Put moisture barriers under porches and other places that are prone to flooding.
You can do a load of things to help control carpenter ants in your home, but if this can be too much work or a mess you don’t want to make, call Fullscope Pest Control right away! Our excellent and trustworthy experts are here to help you have a hassle-free home.
