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
One of the final parts of carpenter ant extermination involves controlling moisture problems. Carpenter ants require water in addition to food. If there is no available source of water in the area, they will likely not become a problem. You need to make sure you fix any leaking pipes so no pools of water form.
These are a few tips for carpenter ant extermination. If you spot any ants in your home, it’s best to deal with the problem quickly to avoid serious damage.
