Carpenter ants have the potential to cause serious structural damage when left untreated. In addition to the wood shavings and piles of sawdust they leave behind, their tunneling can lead to water leaks and weaken structures. While calling a professional is the best course of action, there are some effective DIY treatment methods that can be used to reduce infestations.

Look for Signs of a Carpenter Ant Nest

One of the most common signs that there is a carpenter ant nest close by is observing pheromone trails on surfaces. These are the ants’ way of communicating with each other and marking their path to food sources. You can interrupt these trails by cleaning the area and removing any food sources that may attract them. Smearing essential oils like tea tree, lemon, orange or cedarwood on a cotton ball and wiping it over surfaces will eliminate these scent trails.

Check for Damp Wood

Carpenter Ants Removal prefer to build their nests in moist and decaying wood. For this reason, repairing and sealing any water leaks in your home is important. Check for damp wood around windows and doors, in attics, basements, and under sinks.

You can also monitor your yard for carpenter ant activity by checking for holes in the ground, in trees and in old stumps on your property. If you find these, inspect the area for ant activity and consider removing the stump or treating the wood to prevent future problems.

Another option is to use a moisture meter, which can help you locate any areas of damp wood that might be attracting ants to your home. These are often areas where a leak has been present for some time and can result in rotted wood that is ideal for carpenter ant nests.

Use Boric Acid

For a more natural, non-toxic method, you can try using boric acid in bait traps. These can be purchased from a local hardware store and are safe to use around children and pets. You can also try applying diatomaceous earth, which will kill the ants by penetrating their exoskeletons and dehydrating them until they die.

Prevent Infestation

Keeping your house clean and free of crumbs and other food will deter carpenter ants from entering. You can also wipe down surfaces with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water to remove any scents that might be attracting them. You can also choose to buy a liquid ant bait and follow the directions on its label to make sure only ants will be affected.

If you’re concerned about the amount of carpenter ant activity you see in your house, it’s best to call a pest control company as soon as possible. A licensed entomologist will be able to identify the insect and create the proper treatment plan for your specific situation. They will also be able to help you determine if there is an active nest in your home and where it is located so that it can be destroyed.