Carpenter ants are very common, but also extremely destructive. If you don't control them, they can quickly infest an entire structure. For this reason it is important to identify and exterminate them as soon as you notice them, to avoid serious structural damage that is very expensive to repair. Continue reading this tutorial to free yourself from an infestation of carpenter ants before these insects take over.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Infestation
Step 1. Learn how to recognize carpenter ants
These insects belong to the Camponotus genus, which includes more than 1000 species. They live on all continents, except Antarctica, and differ in many subspecies with different characteristics. However, some traits are common to the whole genus and it is worth knowing them to understand if the ants that are invading your home are carpenters or not. Some common peculiarities you should observe are:
- Color: usually black, red or intermediate shades.
- Shape: segmented body with an oval abdomen and a thin, square thorax. The upper chest of carpenter ants has a smooth, even curve and not jagged and uneven.
- Size: 9-13 mm, depending on the role the ant plays in the colony.
- Antennas: yes.
- Wings: worker ants do not usually have wings. However, relatively rare male specimens may have them.
Step 2. Learn where carpenter ants live
They can establish their own nest inside or outside of any type of structure, but wooden houses are particularly at risk, because these insects love to dig thin tunnels in the wood. Unlike termites, however, ants do not eat wood, they just nest there. Since wet wood is easier to dig than dried wood, the interiors that run the greatest risk of infestation are those near water sources, such as the bathroom and the sink area in the kitchen.
- Sometimes the ants build a network of one or more satellite or twin colonies outside the structure and move between them and their support point inside thanks to small cracks and openings. In this case, the external colonies are often found in old tree trunks, timber, wood piles or other areas where damp wood is present. You can often find rows of specimens moving from one colony to another in the morning or in the late afternoon, when they are looking for food.
- When ants dig tunnels, they leave behind a substance that resembles thin sawdust or small wood chips as "residue". This substance also contains dead insects. This is an unambiguous clue to the nest's location. If you encounter a small pile of sawdust in the house or outside near the house, carefully check the wood you find nearby in search of tunnels. Probe the wood with a thin screwdriver to find gaps in the wood.
Step 3. Know where to look for active ants
Despite building their nest in wood, if carpenter ants have decided to colonize the cavity of a wall in your house, you will have many difficulties finding them. If you suspect an infestation, it is a good idea to look for insects in an accessible area where you are quite sure to find them. Some areas of the house are more prone to infestations and to host the activity of ants than others, especially if these areas are humid or give access to food. Here's where to look for carpenter ants:
- Under the carpets: check around the doors, the fireplace and other areas where there is access to the outside.
- The patio and the foundations.
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Areas with high vegetation. Ants love to nest and search for food by forming long lines hidden by all types of vegetation. The old tree stumps, the branches resting on the foundations of the house, the patio and similar areas are excellent shelters for these insects. Move the vegetation and look for ants. When you find a line of specimens looking for food, follow them back to the colony.
The layers of mulch and leaves provide shelter for many types of ants and not just carpenters. You can find the fire ones, the common ones and the Argentine ones. Rake mulch from the ground to find colonies
- Floors: Plants in pots, the organic waste bin, and any other objects that come into contact with the ground can potentially contain carpenter ants.
Part 2 of 3: Killing the Carpenter Ants
Step 1. Be very careful when trying to deal with these insects
While accidents rarely happen, this warning is worth remembering: never handle ants or their nest directly. Although these insects are not particularly aggressive and likely to bite humans, if annoyed or in danger they can react and inflict very painful bites. Carpenter ants are known to spray formic acid into the bite wound, so if you want to avoid unnecessary pain, don't touch them or handle their nest unless absolutely necessary. Eventually wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.
Step 2. Locate the colony or colonies
The first step in eliminating these insects is to find the nest. Look for the ants themselves, small holes or piles of sawdust as described in the first section of this article. Pay special attention to any areas where damp wood is found. You can also make sure the wood is not infested by tapping it on the surface. The pieces of wood that contain many ants are thin and hollow compared to the intact ones. By tapping the wood you disturb the ants and force them out of the nest, so you will see them better.
Remember that very large nests often have satellite colonies arranged nearby and that you must identify if you want to eradicate the infestation
Step 3. Destroy or remove the colony
If it is a small nest, or one with easy access, it is sometimes possible to get rid of it easily. If the colony is located outside the house, throw away the infested wood very carefully using impenetrable material such as a plastic sheet, so you will protect yourself while you manipulate the nest. If the colony is indoors, some pest control company websites recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to vacuum up all the insects.
- If you opt for this solution, remember to seal and throw the appliance bag in the trash, to prevent any surviving insect from escaping.
- If you find a colony that has dug many tunnels in the wood of the house wall, do not remove the piece of wall because you could compromise the structural integrity of the house. In this case, call a professional.
Step 4. Use bait to manage colonies that you cannot treat directly
Sometimes you may not be able to find the nest. However, if you find a significant number of insects, you can put insecticidal substances along their path to control or eliminate their population. Many baits, traps and insecticides are available for free sale to the public. Check with a garden store to find the solution that best suits your needs.
Be very careful when deciding to use poisonous bait around the house, especially if you have young children. Make sure they know it's not edible or, if they are too small to understand, always check them on sight
Step 5. Contact a professional
If you are unable to find and eliminate the colony quickly and the insecticides have not given the desired results, then the best solution is to contact a company specializing in pest control. These people can purchase insecticides and other tools off limits to the public, and more importantly, they have the knowledge and experience to find and manage the carpenter ant colony intelligently and effectively, far more than ordinary people can..
- Remember that some pest control interventions may force you and your family to temporarily leave the house for a day or two.
- Don't delay and call a professional. The longer you wait to manage the infestation, the bigger the colony will become and will create extensive damage to your property.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Infestations
Step 1. Eliminate any sources of moisture
Water is a determining factor when it comes to carpenter ant infestations. Often a piece of wood becomes susceptible to harboring these insects after it has been exposed to humidity. Repair or seal any water leaks in your home to prevent ants from nesting in your home. Here are some tips to eliminate the humidity that contributes to attracting insects:
- Check that the window frames have no gaps.
- Check that the roof and walls that are most exposed to the elements do not have cracks.
- Make sure your attic, basement, and confined spaces are always well ventilated.
- Look for and repair leaking pipes.
- Clean clogged gutters and eliminate water leaks.
Step 2. Seal entry points, cracks and crevices
If carpenter ants are unable to freely enter and exit your home, all the internal satellite colonies that are fed by the external ones will be isolated and the ants will die. Check the outside of the house for cracks, holes or other small openings that can become a passage for ants. Be especially careful of areas around exterior walls, near the ground and foundations. Seal any holes you spot with silicone or tough putty.
Also check the areas where the water and electrical systems enter the house, as they are vulnerable points
Step 3. Eliminate all wood residues that are near the house
Since these ants love to nest in wood both indoors and outdoors, it is vitally important to find all the infested wooden blocks to prevent insects from moving into your home. Check all the areas where there is wood; if you find any signs of carpenter ants, remove the lumber. Here's where to look:
- Old tree stumps.
- Piles of wood.
- Old trees, especially those with branches that touch the house.
- Piles of garden waste.
Step 4. Consider installing artificial barriers
If carpenter ants are a recurring problem, then you should create a strip of pebbles or gravel all around the house. This "barrier" is rather inhospitable for ants and could discourage them from approaching the house and then entering thanks to cracks in the foundations. Consult with a construction contractor to understand the feasibility and costs of these works. If, on the other hand, you are particularly adept at gardening work, try this project to protect your home.
Advice
- Use both liquid and solid outdoor baits whenever possible. Carpenter ants feed on aphids, so giving them something that looks like aphid's sweet honey will drive them crazy and help you control their population.
- This insect species is very active at night. Get a flashlight and go outside. Look for ants in trees, in wood, and in other places where they may have nested. You can also follow the columns of specimens from the structure they have infested to the nest.
