Tips for Carpenter Ant Extermination

Carpenter ants are capable of causing more damage to wood structures than termites. Unlike termites, they destroy the wood by digging through it instead of eating it. If these ants have invaded your home, it's best to get rid of them as soon as possible. This article will give you tips for carpenter ant extermination.

Nests

The most important aspect of carpenter ant extermination is tracking down the main nest as well as the satellite nests that connect to it. The main nests are usually located in rotting stumps or trees and are easily found in the middle of the night when the ants are most active. If the ants have formed a nest in your home, it will likely only be a satellite nest. The satellite nests are often located in wall voids or eaves or in attics and crawl spaces.

Dust

If you have located the area where the ants enter your home, you can use dust as a method of carpenter ant extermination. The dust must be placed so that it comes into direct contact with the ants. Once they walk through it, they will ingest the poison while grooming.

Baits

Another method of carpenter ant extermination uses baits to control the ants. These baits usually use peanut butter, molasses, or jelly laced with boric acid. You are supposed to place the baits outside along the trails that the ants use to forage. It's also a good idea to place the baits in between the satellite nests if you have already located them.

Wood

Another important aspect of carpenter ant extermination involves controlling any wood that may attract these pests. This means cutting away any tree limbs that hang over your roof because the ants can use them to drop down. You should also make sure there are no piles of wood near your home because they often use these piles to form nests. If you have to keep a stack of firewood near your home, then make sure it does not come into direct contact with the soil.

Moisture