How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Robert James
Pest Control Technician

 

how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants

Carpenter ants along with termites are considered as wood destroying insects. If you are a resident of U.S, you live under the constant risks of damages resulting from wood-destroying bugs.

Over 90% of the homes in the United States are framed by wood. However even homes constructed of steel and masonry serve up delicious food treats these pests, but on the other hand, they steadily destroy valuable wood objects in your home. Before looking for a solution to get rid of carpenter ants first identify and understand the behavior of all ants then you can now look for an efficient control plan.

Identification of Carpenter Ants

black-Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants; there are three main species found in North America

  • The Florida carpenter ant which is usually known as black and red carpenter ants
  • Camponotus modac or the western US
  • Camponotus Pennsylvania or Eastern US commonly referred to as big black carpenter ants

 

In as much as all these three species have comparable feeding and nesting patterns, a primary focus will now be on the control of carpenter ants, however, every carpenter ant species may have different habits and diet. It all depends on the geographical regions which they live, time of year as well as certain additional factors.

Big Black Carpenter Ant Colonies

These are usually medium sized with some having more than 3000 workers, up to 10-15000 satellite nests included while maturity is reached in around three to six years.

Life Cycle of a CarpenterLlife cycle of carpenter ant

 

They go through four stages just like other insects, egg, larvae, and pupae then finally the adult. This transformation takes a period of two month period. This includes soldiers, female workers, and one fertilized queen who is responsible for producing all eggs.

New reproductive males and queens are produced at the end of the summer; furthermore, they spent the winter in the nest. During the spring, the new reproductives leave or swarm the main nest so as to start their colonies.

 

One interesting, the male dies immediately after mating with the queen, and then the new queen will get a nest site and starts a new colony. The lifespan of a queen is long and will not produce new reproductive for six to ten years.

They like to nest in damp places such as bathtubs, poorly closed sinks, and windows. That is the reason as to why in case you will conduct any expert regarding how to get rid ants in the kitchen; they will directly tell you to renovate all the leaks first.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

How to getting rid of Carpenter Ants

In case you suspect ant nests in your home, you need to act fast and apply the most efficient technique to eradicate carpenter ants as quickly as possible. You ought to respond rapidly because this species is well known to be among the most difficult insects to eliminate from their dwelling.

By the time the colonies and nest are spotted, you may now go down and fight. You can choose between ready pesticides and natural homemade remedies. The choice is all your, although, it's better to start with natural methods of insects eradication. Because in the first place are safe for your families health. Hence, the following are the most recommended ways on how to get rid of the carpenter.

Natural remedies for carpenter ants

1.Boric acid for Carpenter ants

  1. 41DgibsPoILsmall lightsmall lightRequirements

  • One teaspoonful of boric acid also known as borax
  • One teaspoonful of sugar
  • Honey or peanut butter
  • 4 ounces of water

Procedure;

Mix all these ingredients jointly and furthermore spread the solution in each area where the ants were spotted. The delicious ingredient will attract while the borax will poison insects.

 

2.Vinegar for Carpenter ant

Vinegar repellants are a very effective means to fight these annoying carpenter ants. Since vinegar is acidic, insects typically avoid it.41C5jVa5sPLsmall lightsmall lightProcedure;

  • Mix vinegar and water in 50-50 ratio
  • Add one teaspoonful of eucalyptus or peppermint oil
  • Also, add garlic powder, pepper, and cinnamon which will make the mixture more efficient
  • Spray the prepared solution into the ant's trails

Commercial Methods for Carpenter Ant

These come in form of sprays and pesticides; these foams include liquid concentrates, dust, baits as well as foams.

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  • Baits; used on carpenter ants
  • Foams; employed in galleries and voids
  • Non-repellant insecticides; used as perimeter spray
  • Dust; used in galleries and voids

Procedure

Once you identify the carpenter colonies, you have to treat them with non-repellants and baits. The use of the non- repellant is to kill the ants since ants will not be able to detect its presence and even avoid it.

Finally, for the case of baits, they will be attracted to it and later on feed on it. However for the case of foams dust and sprays, they will not detect their presence and what's more, will not be repelled.

 

For more exclusive information, You can read this How to treat ant bites with Home Remedy“.

 

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