Carpenter ants destroy wood and thrive in damp climates like those found in densely populated coastal regions. These ants make their way to places with excessive moisture found in buildings, power poles, fence posts, etc. So, it is necessary to identify them and treat them accordingly.
You can identify the nests of carpenter ants by observing their well-defined trails. They go in both directions, and the ones moving towards the nest may be carrying a bug or an insect. Once you identify the nest, you can approach multiple ways to treat these devastating ants.
Mentioned hereunder are the most efficient approaches to get rid of carpenter ants.
Replace Decaying Wet Wood
Solid wood with good structural integrity will remain safe from carpenter ants. So, you must replace weak, decaying wood where the ants are tunnelling. You must check your walls for any damaged wood and the plumbing pipes inside them. Make sure to correct the sources of moisture that cause damage.
Set an Ant Bait
You can deal with minor infestations of carpenter ants by using bait. Lace the ant bait with a sweet substance and an element like borax that is toxic to ants. This naturally occurring mineral works by targeting the digestive process of the ants. Worker ants will carry this food to their colony inside the damaged wood. The entire colony will be killed over weeks.
Inject Boric Acid
Boric acid is a concentrated form of borax that is toxic to ants. You can drill 1/8-inch diameter holes into the ant colony and squirt puffs of boric acid into the holes using a bulb duster. Boric acid acts as a stomach poison for these destructive ants. Many professional exterminators use this process to get rid of these devastating creatures.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
This naturally occurring mineral is made from fossilised skeletons of diatoms. It works on ants like boric acid and acts as a poison. You can puff powdered DE into the drilled holes on the carpenter ants’ nest. Diatomaceous Earth works by breaking the exoskeleton of ants and causing them to dehydrate. This non-toxic substance is available in the market as an organic garden pesticide. However, it needs repeated applications to treat the ants.
Use a Pyrethrin-based Insecticide
A pyrethrin-based spray is a surefire remedy for carpenter ants. It excites their central nervous system, causing paralysis and death. Firstly, you must locate the nest, drill holes, and inject the spray into the colony. However, it is better not to mistake it for other insecticides like pyrethroids on the market.If the carpenter ant infestations persist after applying the DIY remedies, it may be time to hire professionals to get rid of the problem. If you are looking for quick and safe carpenter ant treatment, contact Top Line Pest Control. Their services are environmentally safe, and experienced experts inspect your home or business to provide the best pest treatment. Top Line Pest Control services also deal with commercial warehouse pest control programs and offer free inspection and estimate for their business.
