What Should I Do If I Find Carpenter Ants in My Home?
WouterWhether you are a homeowner or a business owner, if you find carpenter ants in your home, you will need to do something about it. If left untreated, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. A professional pest control company can help you determine the extent of the infestation and recommend the best treatment options.
To remove carpenter ants, start by locating the nest. It may be in the basement, in a crawl space, or underneath your house. The ants are usually hidden. The best way to locate the nest is to follow the ants. You can use clotheslines, utility cables, or utility poles to trace the ants back to the nest.
After finding the nest, you may have to apply several treatments. For example, you can spray the nest with an insecticide. You may also need to use boric acid. Boric acid is a toxic substance that kills ants. You can buy boric acid at a garden supply store.
Another effective method is to use a toxic bait. A carpenter ant toxic gel bait can be set out near the nest. The ants are attracted to the bait and carry it back to the nest. In about three days, the ants die. This method is effective in destroying ant nests that are difficult to reach.
Another way to locate a carpenter ant nest is to look for frass. This is a waste product that carpenter ants leave behind. Frass may be found piled up on surfaces or in crawl spaces under your house.
