HOW TO GET RID OF CARPENTER ANTS

Are carpenter ants invading your home? Dealing with them quickly is essential, as these pests can cause significant damage and are tough to eradicate. This guide will show you how to get rid of carpenter ants, from spotting them to using effective removal methods. Read on for expert advice and practical tips to eliminate these pests efficiently!

How to identify carpenter ants 

You can distinguish carpenter ants from other types by their size and colour. They are large, measuring around 3 to 12 mm in length, depending on their job classification and colony. Carpenter ants are commonly red-black, all-red, all -black, or all-brown. They get their name from their habit of nesting in wood, which can cause considerable damage to your property. While they do not eat wood, they chew through wood to build their nests.

The signs of an infestation

If you notice any of the following signs, it's crucial to promptly remove carpenter ants from the house to prevent potential damage to your property. Look for small piles of sawdust around wood beams or other wooden areas - this is a strong indicator of infestation. As the ants move around, you might also hear a faint rustling noise from within walls or ceilings.

Where are the most common entry points

When learning how to get rid of carpenter ants in Australia, it’s important to know where they commonly enter your home. Unlike other ants which are attracted to sweet food or beverages, carpenter ants are also drawn to damp or mouldy wood. Moisture problems in your home can attract them. However, carpenter ants don’t always enter by chewing through wood; they can slip through any crack or tiny opening, even if it’s high up. They might use branches, pipes, or wires to reach these entry points.

Inside your home, carpenter ants typically prefer to nest near water sources. Similar to strategies to get rid of regular ants, identifying the location they’re likely to nest can help you find them. Common nesting areas include spots around air-conditioning units, dishwashers, sinks, and bathtubs. 

How do you get rid of carpenter ants?

The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is to find and destroy the source - their nest. Like all ants, carpenter ant colonies begin with scout ants that search your home for food sources or ideal spots to nest. Once they find a good location, their fellow workers follow the trail and set up a nest nearby, often in your walls. If you’ve noticed a few carpenter ants wandering around, here’s what you should do next:

H3. Set up baits to locate the nest

How to kill carpenter ants is easy once you know where the nest is. To find it, set up bait that the ants will carry back.

If you see ants, you can also directly kill them by using Mortein crawling insect spray and bombs.

Preventing carpenter ant infestations

Now that you know how to kill carpenter ants, remember that prevention is your best strategy. Begin by removing potential food sources and sealing any cracks or gaps that might let ants enter your pantry or cupboards. Keeping your home clean and uncluttered is crucial, as these pests often settle in messy areas. Moisture control is also vital, as carpenter ants are attracted to damp environments. Regularly inspect and fix any leaks or moisture sources. Additionally, use an ant control solution around entry points and areas where ants are likely to gather to further deter them from entering your home. Some of our Mortein products like the Mortein PowerGard Crawling Insect Surface Spray Barrier Outdoor can protect for up to 9 months against crawlies.

When to call a professional to get rid of carpenter ants

When should you call in a professional to deal with carpenter ants? If you're wondering how to get rid of carpenter ants but find the process overwhelming or messy, it may be time to seek expert help. If you haven't been able to locate the nest but continue to see carpenter ants, a professional can assist in finding and addressing the problem effectively. It is important to treat the problem quickly to avoid damage to your home.

Summary of how to get rid of carpenter ants

By following these preventive steps, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of carpenter ants invading your home. If you do face an infestation, don’t worry - with patience and persistence, you'll clear your home of these pests and maintain a carpenter-ant-free environment.

Sources

• ACT Government. (n.d.). Ants. https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/wildlife/pest-insects/ants 
• Department of Health, Victoria. (Reviewed 07 June 2023). Ants: Pest control. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/ants-pest-control