Carpenter ants build their nests in wood, so it is quite easy for them to settle in and around houses. Unlike termites, these ants do not eat wood but only make their nests there, however they can penetrate the house and find food and water sources inside. Read on to learn how to control carpenter ant populations and prevent them from becoming a problem.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Nest
Step 1. Make sure it's really ants and not termites
Carpenter ants are large black or dark brown insects with six legs and a body divided into three segments. Their antennae are bent. Worker ants do not have wings, while reproductive ants do. They are insects that tend to walk in long lines. Termites, which are a much more serious problem, instead have straight antennae and a light-colored body. If you are dealing with termites read this article.
Step 2. Look at their excavation debris
It is a material similar to the sawdust that they leave behind when they dig the wood to make the nest. This material contains residues and body parts, but basically looks like a pile of light wood chips. If you notice this debris around your home, it's a clear telltale sign that you have an ant problem to manage.
Step 3. Pay attention if you notice any damage in the wood
A wood that welcomes the carpenter ants' nest has cracks or holes. Generally you should see some droppings scattered nearby. These insects like to nest in walls, empty doors, wardrobes, exposed beams and in the wood of the housing structure. Especially check areas where the wood is slightly damp, as they prefer to build their nest in this material.
Step 4. Place baits nearby
If you want to locate where they have settled, you need to lure the ants with some bait, so check the path they take to the nest so you know exactly where they are hiding. Place very small bits of molasses or a sugary fruit near the area where you suspect the burrow may be located.
Step 5. Follow the ants to their shelter
When they are attracted by the bait, follow them back to the nest. You will likely see them crawling into a crack in a wall, cabinet or door. Keep observing them until you are sure you have located the nest.
- If their lair is visible and accessible, you can get rid of them by moving on to the next step.
- If it is hidden and difficult to reach, you need to place a toxic lure to kill them. It will take about three days for it to take full effect.
Part 2 of 3: Eliminating the Ant Population
Step 1. Apply the toxic bait method
This is the best solution to put in place if the nest is hidden or inaccessible. Using poisonous baits you can attract the ants out of the nest; they will then bring the poison back into the den, and in about three days the entire colony will be poisoned. Purchase some carpenter ant gel baits and mix them with a spoonful of sugar and a spoonful of milk. Place a few near where you suspect they have nested. Wait for them to come out and take the bait.
- It is essential that the bait you choose is slow-acting. If you kill worker ants on their way back to the nest, the thousands of ants still inside will not be affected. Choose a bait that produces effects in about three days.
- Never spray insecticide in the wake of carpenter ants you see coming from the nest. In this way you do not eliminate those that are still lurking and that could, instead, perceive the danger and spread to more places to build other nests.
- If you have pets or small children, it is better to set up tamper-proof lures, rather than ones that spread the poison.
Step 2. Destroy the nest by spraying the poison directly on it
This method is effective when you can easily access the lair and apply poison near the queen and the entire colony. Choose a powdered insecticide and follow the instructions on the package to spread it appropriately.
- Diatomaceous earth is a natural non-toxic powder effective for killing carpenter ants without bringing poisons inside the house.
- There are also other powdered chemicals on the market that are just as effective, but contain dangerous toxins that could pose health risks to pets and children.
Step 3. Try a boric acid-based bait
- You can buy boric acid at a garden supply store.
- Combine it with powdered sugar, in a ratio of about 1 part sugar to 2 parts boric acid.
- Fill the cap of a bottle with the mixture and place it near the area where you notice the ants.
- When these return to the nest, they will kill the others inside. Boric acid penetrates their body and dissolves their organs.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid the Return of the Carpenter Ants
Step 1. Clean the house to avoid it being a breeding ground for carpenter ants
For this reason it is important to clean the floors well, solve any problems of water leaks from the taps that could damage the wood and remove any material that can be an excellent refuge for them.
Step 2. Seal the house
Use putty to carefully seal foundations and cracks around doors, windows and any other areas where ants might enter the house. Install mosquito nets on doors and windows.
Step 3. Remove any organic residue from the garden
Cut tree branches so they don't hang directly above the house. Clean the lawn of weeds, leaves, mounds of wood and other natural debris close to home, which could make an ideal nest for an ant population.
Step 4. Eliminate all crumbs and water leaks
Ants need sugar, protein, and water sources to survive. Preventing them from coming into contact with these basic sources of survival is the best way to stop them from infesting your home. Do not leave crumbs on the floors and on the kitchen counter and clean from any food residues, especially if they are sugary. Repair faucet leaks and make sure that these insects do not have access to the water.
Advice
- Get a stethoscope and place it against the wall where you suspect a nest might be hiding. If you hear a rasping, rustling, or banging noise, the ants are sure to be nearby.
- Use odorless poisons, as these ants can sense most poisons. Don't kill ants by squashing them.
