How do I get rid of carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are capable of causing tremendous damage to structures; such cases are rare and are usually the result of long-term infestations and neglect. Most homeowners take steps to control carpenter ants soon after ants are noticed inside so little damage has usually taken place. Also, main carpenter ant (parent) colonies require a constant moisture source (like a leak that results in wet wood) to live indoors. Most parent colonies live outdoors in trees and landscape timbers, and they often set up satellite colonies indoors. An experienced professional takes time to identify as many nest locations as possible and then treats those directly. Control is achieved by finding as many colonies as possible and treating each directly, or with a bait. I really like bait because of its capability to search out and treating the parent colony (with bait) which is required to prevent new invasions of satellite colonies. Carpenter ant infestations can be difficult and often costly to ...  more

By: Molly Lavins Carpenter Ants may be may be small in stature, but carpenter ant damage can be destructive. Carpenter ants are active during spring and summer months. They nest in moist wood inside and outside, often in rotting wood, behind bathroom tiles, around sinks, tubs, showers and dishwashers. They also may inhabit hollow spaces in doors, curtain rods, foam insulation, etc. Humidity is necessary to sustain their eggs, but it is possible to find satellite nests that are not in moisture laden areas where some of the colony can reside.  more