How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants that can be found in North America. They get their name from their habit of hollowing out wood in order to create their nests. Although they don't carry disease, carpenter ants can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated.
There are a few things you can do to get rid of carpenter ants and keep them from coming back. Here are a few tips:
1. Find and destroy the nest. This is the most important step in getting rid of carpenter ants. The nest is usually located in moist, rotted wood, so check any areas of your home that fit that description. Once you've found the nest, use an insecticide dust or spray to destroy it.
2. Keep your home clean and free of food sources. Carpenter ants are attracted to food sources, so it's important to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs or spills. Regularly sweep and mop your floors, and wipe down your counters and appliances. You should also empty your trash cans regularly.
3. Fill in any cracks or crevices around your home. Carpenter ants can enter your home through tiny cracks and crevices, so it's important to fill in any that you find. Check both the exterior and interior of your home for any cracks or crevices, and seal them with caulk or another type of filler.
4. Remove moisture sources from around your home. Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, so it's important to remove any sources of water from around your home, such as leaky pipes or drip pans under appliances. If you have any potted plants indoors, make sure to empty the saucers beneath them after watering so that the soil doesn't stay too wet for too long.
5. Trim any trees or shrubs around your home. If there are any trees or shrubs touching your home, trim them back so that they're at least six inches away from the exterior walls. This will help prevent carpenter ants from being able to easily enter your home.
6. Hire a professional pest control company. A professional team such as Whitmore Pest & Wildlife can both eliminate current infestations and prevent new ones from happening.
Wrap Up!
Carpenter ants can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. The most important step is finding and destroying their nest, which is usually located in moist, rotted wood.
Aside from considering calling pest controllers near me, you should also keep your home clean and free of food sources, fill in any cracks or crevices around your exterior walls, remove moisture sources from around your property, and trim back any trees or shrubs that are touching your home.