How to Control Carpenter Ant Pests

If you've found evidence of a carpenter ant infestation in your home, you need to nip it in the bud. Carpenter ants are some of the most difficult insects to rid from your home, and one of the most destructive. Carpenter ant infestations often require the services of a professional, but you can make their stay less inviting and help the pros do their job.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Resist the urge to squash the carpenter ants that you see. They may be carrying valuable information about the location of the nest. Spend some time following them around, and take note of what they're doing, such as carrying food.

2. Look for entry holes. You might also see some evidence of sawdust.

3. Listen. Sometimes you can actually hear the carpenter ants moving about with a rustling sound and chewing noises.

4. Remove carpenter ant access to your home. Trim tree branches and overgrown bushes back so they don't touch the home. Cut down diseased trees. Stack firewood piles away from your home.

5. Practice good sanitation inside your home. Store food in sealed containers and sweep frequently to pick up errant crumbs.

6. Correct sources of dampness inside and out of the home. Rotting or damp wood attracts carpenter ants.

7. Contact a professional and share the information about the ant activity with them. They can do a thorough investigation of your home based on the observations you share with them and apply the proper chemicals to the carpenter ant nest.

Resources

• The University of Minnesota has information on carpenter ants.
• Find out about carpenter ants at Iowa State University's website.
• Choose green methods for pest control at the Daily Green.