Fortunately, you might learn how to get rid of carpenter ants yourself.
Removing the source of soft, rotting wood will force them to search for new nesting areas.
Read on to learn how to get rid of carpenter ants with the best do-it-yourself methods.
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants have a smooth, rounded back, and a narrow, pinched waist with a small hump.
You may need toexamine an antclosely under a magnifying glass to verify its identity.
Henrik_L / Getty Images
Carpenter ants average about 3/8 of an inch in length but can range from about 1/4 to 1 inch.
However,termitesconsume wood, while carpenter ants merely tunnel through it to create nests.
Finally, termites have straight antennae, not the jointed antennae found in carpenter ants.
TermiteSergiu Rusu/500px/Getty Images
What Causes Carpenter Ants?
The most effective methods to control carpenter ants will appeal to green-minded homeowners.
However, you will likely have to repeat these methods to ensure the complete removal of the carpenter ants.
Let the vinegar dry naturally, don’t wipe it up.
It’s most effective to locate and remove the soft decaying wood they use for nesting areas.
This is no easy feat since the affected wood is often hidden inside walls behind siding or wallboard.
Replace bad, rotted wood and insulate water pipes to correct condensation issues.
see to it flashings around windows and patio doors are in good shape.
Borax is regarded as a non-toxic, organic control since it is a naturally occurring mineral.
Use Desiccating Dust
Desiccating dust, such as diatomaceous earth (D.E.)
and silica gel, destroy insects by absorbing their waxy outer coating, causing them to die from dehydration.
should be blown with a bulb duster behind electrical switch plates and into wall voids.
Pyrethrin stimulates the insect’s nervous system to cause paralysis and death.
It effectively controls many insects and is a favorite of many organic gardeners.
Pyrethrin is applied by locating the nest, drilling holes, and injecting the spray directly into the colony.
Avoid pesticides labeled as pyrethroids, since these products typically blend pyrethrin with other chemicals to increase their effectiveness.
Pyrethroids are not as safe as pure pyrethrin,so you must use them carefully.
Some peopleespecially asthma sufferersare known to have allergic reactions to pyrethrin.
You will likely see many recommendations for smells that repel carpenter ants.
While carpenter ants have strong jaws for tunneling through wood, deliberate biting of humans or pets is rare.
These are not blood-feeding insects, so they do not go out of their way to bite.
If you are accidentally bitten, though, you will find the experience painful.
Carpenter Ants Fact Sheet.
National Pesticide Information Center.
