How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Outside

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Outside

Carpenter ants get their name from their nesting habits. They nest in old wooden structures like fallen trees, decks, and sheds. Contrary to popular belief, they do not eat the wood but displace it to build nests. This promotes the composting of old wood. In the forest, carpenter ants are useful for cleaning up after pests and recycling materials. Near the home, however, they can be a problem. Carpenter ants can cause a significant amount of damage to the home. If you’ve got a carpenter ant problem on your hands, don’t worry. Give us a call for quick and effective ant control in Oakville.

Carpenter ants are big black ants that are usually found near wooden structures, like porches. They are roughly 6 to 25mm long, with narrow waists and bent antennas. Male carpenter ants have long wings that lay flat on their backs. Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include the presence of these ants near moist or decaying wood as well as saw dust and holes in their wooden structures. Infestations outside may work their way indoors, especially if there are lots of openings to get inside, like cracks in the walls. Humid areas, like the bathroom, are most susceptible.

Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants

You can get rid of carpenter ants outside by using baits and sprays. There are a variety of different products available on the market. Simply place the carpenter ant bait anywhere you have seen the ants. The closer you can place the bait to the entrance of the colony, the better. Ants will gather the bait, then bring it home to feed their colony. If you want to make your own, try mixing granulated sugar with baking soda, then placing the mixture in a shallow dish. Baking soda is toxic to ants. The ants will be drawn to the sweet smell of the sugar.

Getting rid of carpenter ants outside is tricky because more ants may come in the future. Since their natural habitat is outside, another scouting ant may find your yard and bring its colony with it. It is therefore a good idea that you address the causes of the infestation. For example, if your deck is prone to getting ants, it may be time to replace it. Decks break down over time. Fresh, hard wood will help to keep the ants at bay. While you’re at it, seal every opening in the side of your home so that the bugs don’t move inside.

Professionals have high quality insecticides and applicators that reach deep in carpenter ant colonies. They can find exactly where an infestation is coming from and deal with it quickly. The experts at Exterminator Oakville are trained, experienced, and ready to get rid of any ant problem. No matter how severe or complicated your problem may be, we have got you covered. We offer a variety of different solutions to all pest problems. Call us for guaranteed pest control in the Oakville area.