How to Control Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are known as one of the most destructive insects. Not only are they large and unsightly, but they chew away at damp wood, often destroying window frames and wood trim. The key to controlling carpenter ants is locating their nests and destroying them. There are also several preventative measures homeowners can take to make their home less inviting to carpenter ants.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Drill
• Boric acid
• Puffer
• Outdoor insecticide

Instructions

1. Locate the nest. Carpenter ants prefer to make their nests in damp wood. Inspect bathrooms, door and window frames, washing machines or any other damp areas in your house. Look for small shavings of wood or small holes leading to a nest. Once you have found a possible nesting location, tap the wood with a hammer. If a nest is present, the wood will sound hollow.

2. Listen and look for ants. Carpenter ants can often be heard traveling along the insides of walls or areas with damp wood. If you see ants, try following them to their nest.

3. Drill small holes in the areas where nests are suspected. The holes should be no larger that an 1/8 of an inch. Purchase some boric acid powder from a hardware or home supply store. Using a puffer, carefully fill the holes with the powder. The boric acid should kill the ants upon contact.

4. Take steps to prevent carpenter ants from building nests in your home. Seal cracks in your home's foundation and fix moisture problems caused by roof leaks and leaky plumbing. Replace woodwork that has cracked due to moisture. Avoid storing firewood indoors or against your home. Firewood is a favorite nesting location of carpenter ants.

Tips & Warnings

• If outdoor carpenter ant nests are found, spray the nest with an insecticide such as chlorpyrifos or carbaryl. Avoid using outdoor insecticides to treat indoor nests. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

• Regularly monitor your home for carpenter ant infestations. If carpenter ants are still a problem after several attempts at destroying their nests, consider contacting a professional exterminator. If carpenter ants are not destroyed, they can cause severe damage to your home.

References

• Ohio State University
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
• University of Minnesota Extension