Unlike termites, carpenters don’t actually eat wood. But they do spread quickly by setting up multiple nests in and around the premise. This can cause a lot of damage to wood structures like cabinets, handrails, door and window frames, and beams. Knowing how to get rid of carpenter ants before they cause a major headache will make your life easier.
First, you need to figure out if you are in fact dealing with carpenter ants…
How to identify carpenter ants
Carpenter ants are large black or brown insects. They have six legs and three individual body segments. Carpenter ants always have bent antennae. Worker carpenter ants are often wingless, while the reproductive ants have wings.
In comparison, termites always have straight antennae and light coloured bodies.
Signs of infestation
- Wood shavings (frass): One of the most tell-tale signs of a carpenter ant infestation. When ants bore through the wood, they leave behind a pile of debris comprised of wood shavings and some body parts. Think of it like a pile of sawdust. Look where any wood structures are present in or around the house.
- Wood damage: As previously mentioned, carpenter ants often set up nests in window and door frames, handrails, beams, walls, cabinets, and other wood structures. Closely inspect all wood structures in your home. Obvious signs of damage include holes, slits, and weakened spots.
- Rustling sound: Carpenter ants make noise when burrowing through wood. Some observers compare the sound to the crinkling of cellophane. Listen closely to your walls and other wood structures for evidence of this sound.
How to get rid of carpenter ants
Locate
First, you need to locate the nest. Depending on how long the infestation has lasted, you there may be several nests. Your best bet is to look for evidence of wood damage, as this will help you spot areas of high activity. Be careful not to disturb the ants, or else they could spread and be harder to track down.
Consider hiring a licensed pest controller to conduct a safe and thorough inspection of your premise, and get rid of the carpenter ants for good.
To confirm the presence of carpenter ants, place bait near the damaged wood. When you see the ants, follow the trail back to their nest. You can also place a few drops of honey or another sugary substance to further entice the ants.
Eliminate
Once you have found at least one nest, there are a few ways you can get rid of the ants. One way is to apply Ant Dust directly on and around the nest. You can also purchase waterproof ant dust for outside use all year round. If the nest is in a tight spot, apply the dust to tiny cracks or crevices.
Do not apply ant dust near fruits and vegetables is this can contaminate the produce.
Another product you can use is ant bait. Simply place the bait near the nest. The worker ants will consume the bait, return to the nest, and infect the remaining colony. All bait is enclosed in a container that only ants can reach, so it’s child and pet-friendly.
How to prevent a future carpenter ant attack
- Always cover up exposed food in a sealed container
- Immediately clean up food and liquid spills
- Seal any exposed cracks or crevices around the property
- Store firewood away from the property. Lay the firewood on a raised (non-wood) platform that the carpenter ants cannot reach.
- Resolve any moisture issues in your home such as leaking pipes, showerheads and appliances. Allow for plenty of airflow in damp areas like the laundry or bathroom.
When to call the experts
Finding all carpenter ant nests can be difficult and time consuming. And you must use the products properly to achieve total elimination. Open to an easier, more effective alternative? Call the experts.
By employing a combination of local knowledge, advanced technology, and a deep understanding of carpenter ant behaviour, All Bugs takes guesswork out of the equation.
Our highly skilled technicians will locate each nest, put in place a seamless and effective treatment plan, and monitor progress until the infestation is gone. There is no risk of harm to your loved ones and zero disruption to your day.
Plus, you get insider tips on how to keep carpenter ants away from your property for good. Best of all? Each treatment plan is covered by a workmanship guarantee for total peace of mind.
Get rid of carpenter ants safely and effectively with a custom treatment plan from All Bugs. Book your appointment today or call (07) 3324 0111.
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