Carpenter ants are, without a doubt, the most notorious pests that infest homes in the United States. If left untreated, carpenter ants can severely damage your wooden structures. Here is information about what carpenter ants are and how to get rid of them.
What Is a Carpenter Ant?
As the name suggests, carpenter ants are large ants that build their nests by excavating wood to create tunnels inside them. They don’t feed on wood but chew it to make nests. They are indigenous to forest regions around the world.
A mature colony of carpenter ants has 10,000-20,000 workers, and some colonies can have up to 50,000 workers. Each colony has one wingless queen. Swarmers, sexually mature ants, are not produced until a particular colony is over two years old.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
There are many ways to get rid of carpenter ants. The following are common methods:
1. Locate the Nest
The first step to getting rid of carpenter ants is to locate their nest. Common places where you can look for their nests include doorframes, windows, chimneys or sinks. You can also follow a scent trail or inspect your wood structures for signs of damage. When locating their shelter, be aware that carpenter ants can explore nearly 200 feet from their nest.
2. Destroy the Nest
Once you find the nest, destroy it. If the nest is inside your house, you can apply insecticides by drilling holes through the affected surfaces. You can soak the nest with potent insecticides if it is outside your house. You may be required to apply the insecticide more than once if the colony is big to get rid of the carpenter ants completely.
3. Get Rid of Scent Trails
Carpenter ants use pheromone scent trails to locate food and travel. Destroying these scent trails by cleaning the surfaces where the ants have passed through is important for destroying their way to your home. The good news is that these trails can be cleaned up using natural products. Essential oils like cedarwood or lemon can quickly get rid of the scent trails. Boiled water, cinnamon and chalk can also remove the scent trails.
4. Conduct Regular Repairs and Maintenance
Regular repair and maintenance practices in your home can help you identify any remaining ants and get rid of them. Moreover, maintenance can help block areas that ants can use to access your home.
5. Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional is the most viable way to get rid of carpenter ants in your home. Professionals from a pest control company know how to identify carpenter ants and their nests. They are also trained to apply necessary treatments to eliminate pests.
Bottom Line
Now that you know what carpenter ants are, locate their nest, destroy it and get rid of ant scent trails to get rid of them in your home. Although DIY might sound like an easy route, it might not be effective. It would be best to leave the task to a professional pest control service.
Are carpenter ants becoming a nuisance to your home or business? Don’t fret. Contact us today for emergency services, free estimates, inquiries or if you need help getting rid of carpenter ants.