The Carpenter Ant is a wood-destroying ant species that can cause structural property damage. They are considered one of the largest ant species in the United States. They can range in color from black, a combination of red and black, or completely red or brown. Carpenter ants build their nests in wood, so they’re often found in and around homes. Unlike termites, they don’t consume the wood but bore through it to create elaborate tunnels for easy travel from the nest to food sources. Once you spot a carpenter ant, you must act quickly since they can threaten the structural integrity of the wood in your house. If you’re wondering how to get rid of carpenter ants, we have gathered some information to help you with it.
Here are the 3 Best Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in Your Home
Use Baits
Ant baiting is a great way to eliminate an entire colony of ants. Though it can take a while, it is the best long-term solution for any ant problem in your home.
You can purchase toxic bait to lure ants or make your bait solution by mixing equal parts of sugar and baking soda, then place it along the ants’ walking paths for them to pick up and return to the nest. The sugar attracts the ants, but the baking soda will kill them naturally. This method usually takes three days or more for the entire ant population to be poisoned.
Use Insecticides
An insecticide is one of the most widely used solutions for a carpenter ant infestation. Once you locate the nest, use an insecticide that contains pyrethroids, then apply it by drilling holes into the wall where the nest is suspected and inject the insecticidal spray or dust into the nest.
When using insecticides, always follow the instructions on the packaging. You can also use diatomaceous earth for a more natural approach. You may need to repeat this method multiple times to destroy the nest.
Hire a Professional Exterminator
If you still see carpenter ants even after you get rid of their nest then chances are there still might be more in your home. It can be difficult to remove the carpenter nest on your own especially when the nest has already been deep within the structure of your home. Calling a professional exterminator is your best option to resolve this infestation once and for all.
Pest control companies have the advantage of using chemicals and other treatments that are not easily available in the market for consumers. A pest control professional can also locate hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home