How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants: DIY Methods, Professional Pest Control, Prevention Tips, and More
Carpenter ants are large, black or brown ants that can be found in most parts of the US. Unlike other types of ants, however, carpenter ants don’t feed on sugary substances – instead, they chew through wood to build their nests. As a result, they can cause serious damage to your home or business, making them a big problem for property owners.
If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to get rid of these pests. This article will cover DIY methods, professional pest control, prevention tips, environmental considerations, signs of an infestation, and more, so you can take action and protect your property.
DIY Methods
If you have a minor carpenter ant infestation, or if you want to try to nip the problem in the bud before it gets worse, there are a few easy DIY methods you can try. Keep in mind, though, that these methods may not be effective if you have a large infestation, or if the ants have already caused significant damage to your property.
Boric Acid Baits
Boric acid is a common ingredient in many ant baits – it’s toxic to ants, but relatively safe for humans and pets to handle. To make your own boric acid bait, mix 1 part boric acid with 3 parts sugar or syrup, and place the mixture in a shallow dish or jar lid near where you’ve seen the ants. The ants will be attracted to the sugar or syrup, and will take the boric acid back to their nest, where it will kill the colony.
Make sure to keep the bait out of reach of children and pets, and avoid using it in areas where food is prepared or stored.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms – tiny aquatic organisms that have hard shells made of silica. The powder is abrasive to insects, and can be used to kill carpenter ants by dehydrating them. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around areas where you’ve seen ants – they’ll ingest the powder when they groom themselves, and will die within a few hours.
Like boric acid, diatomaceous earth is generally safe for humans and pets, but should be kept out of reach of children and not used in areas where food is prepared or stored.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil has been shown to be a natural ant repellent, and can be used to deter carpenter ants from entering your home. Simply soak a cotton ball in cinnamon oil, and place it near areas where you’ve seen ants. You can also mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with water in a spray bottle, and use the spray to create a barrier around your home or business.
Cinnamon oil is safe for humans and pets, but should be used in moderation, as it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Professional Pest Control
If you have a large carpenter ant infestation, or if the ants have caused significant damage to your property, it’s best to call in the professionals. A pest control company will have the tools and expertise necessary to eliminate the infestation and prevent future problems.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
One of the main benefits of hiring a professional pest control company is that they can provide fast, effective results. A professional will be able to identify the source of the infestation and use targeted treatments to eliminate the colony, so you can get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
In addition, professional pest control companies use safe, environmentally friendly treatments that are more effective than DIY methods. They’ll also be able to offer advice on how to prevent future infestations, so you can avoid having to deal with the problem again in the future.
What to Look for in a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, it’s important to do your research and find a company that’s experienced, reputable, and licensed. Look for a company that specializes in treating carpenter ants, and that uses safe, eco-friendly treatments that won’t harm your family or pets.
You should also read reviews from past customers, and look for a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee or warranty on their services.
Process of Hiring and Working with a Pest Control Company
Once you’ve found a pest control company you want to work with, the first step is to schedule an inspection. A professional will come to your property to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend a treatment plan.
After the inspection, the pest control company will provide you with a quote for their services. Once you’ve agreed to the price, they’ll schedule a treatment appointment.
During the treatment appointment, the pest control professional will apply treatments to the affected areas, and may also give you advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Prevention Tips
Of course, the best way to deal with a carpenter ant infestation is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing carpenter ants from entering your home or business:
Seal Entry Points
Carpenter ants can enter your property through even the tiniest cracks and crevices. Seal up any gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and foundation walls to make it more difficult for ants to get in.
Eliminate Moisture
Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to eliminate sources of excess moisture in and around your property. Fix any leaks or drips, and make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your building.
Store Firewood Away from Building
Carpenter ants love to build nests in rotting wood, so it’s important to keep firewood stored away from your home or business. Don’t stack wood up against your building, as this can provide an easy entry point for ants.
Environmental Considerations
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of getting rid of carpenter ants, don’t worry – there are plenty of natural, eco-friendly methods and products available that are safe to use around pets and children.
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that are natural predators of carpenter ants. You can purchase nematodes online or at a garden center, and sprinkle them around your property to help eliminate an infestation.
Orange Oil
Orange oil is a natural insecticide that’s extracted from orange peels. It’s safe for humans and pets, and can be used to kill carpenter ants by suffocating them. Mix 3-5 drops of orange oil with a cup of water, and spray the mixture around areas where you’ve seen ants.
Keep in mind that natural methods may not be as effective as traditional pest control methods, especially if you have a large infestation.
Signs of an Infestation
If you’re not sure whether you have a carpenter ant infestation, here are some signs to look for:
- Wood shavings or sawdust – carpenter ants chew through wood to build their nests, and will leave behind piles of shavings or sawdust near their nest site.
- Noise – you may hear rustling or tapping sounds coming from inside your walls or ceiling.
- Visible ants – you may see large, black or brown ants wandering around your property.
- Damage to wood – if you have a long-term carpenter ant infestation, you may notice damage to wooden structures in your home or business.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to get rid of these pests and prevent future problems. Whether you choose to try DIY methods, hire a professional pest control company, or take preventative measures, the key is to take action as soon as possible to avoid further damage and protect your property.
For additional resources and advice on dealing with carpenter ants, visit your local pest control company or state extension service.