Carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to your home and property. They prefer moist wood and can quickly form tunnels in structural timbers, leading to serious problems. They are most commonly found in areas with frequent moisture such as around leaks or poorly sealed crevices on exterior walls, under shingles and along foundations. They can also nest inside trees.
Unlike termites, which can be hard to distinguish from ants, it is very easy for homeowners to spot a carpenter ant infestation. They are large and have distinct black bodies, with the wings clearly visible on the sides of their abdomens. A strong odor will accompany the presence of carpenter ants.
The easiest way to prevent carpenter ant infestations is to monitor and repair sources of water intrusion into your home. Routinely check the outside of your home for areas where ants might enter, and seal any leaks immediately. Trimming tree limbs that hang over your house can help, too, since ant tunnels often follow branches.
Preventing Carpenter Ants Removal from nesting in your yard is also important. They usually establish parent colonies outdoors in rotting logs, stumps and tree branches, and then branch out to satellite nests, located in a radius around the parent colony. Routinely inspect the yard for such sites and replace any decaying wood that is exposed to the ground, especially near drains and gutters. Using borate-treated wood for wall framing and siding can discourage the formation of new carpenter ant colonies.
When you discover a carpenter ant nest, you can destroy it by drilling 1/8-inch holes into the nest and puffing in boric acid. This will dry out the ants, killing them as they try to re-enter the nest. Repeat the process at three-foot intervals, and make sure that the boric acid is puffed in the ant tunnels as well as the entrance to the nest.
If you cannot locate the carpenter ant nest, or if it is not in an area accessible for treatment with boric acid, you can use baits to eradicate the infestation. Place a small amount of sweet bait, like sugar or honey, in locations where you have observed ant activity. Because carpenter ants are nocturnal, baits should be placed at night. Alternatively, you can try using a void-targeting insecticide spray, such as acephate or carbaryl. Follow the label instructions for best results.
If you suspect a severe problem, contact a pest control professional for assistance. In addition to treating the current infestation, they can provide advice for preventing future outbreaks. These may include sealing open food into airtight containers and cleaning up crumbs, and removing overhanging tree limbs to eliminate potential harborage spots. They can also recommend a carpenter ant deterrent that will keep the ants away without using harmful chemicals. For example, food-grade diatomaceous earth powder is effective in killing ants by serrating their exoskeletons and dehydrating them until they die. A spray containing this substance can be sprayed directly on the ants or on their scent trails.