How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants are controlled through the application of insecticides and sprays in various forms. These forms include liquid concentrates, baits, dusts, and foams.
|
1. Inspection
The first step in controlling Carpenter Ants is inspection, to determine if they are located outside and simply foraging inside for food, or if you have a colony or satellite colony inside your home.
2. Determine Control Measure
Once you complete your inspection and identify nest locations and foraging trails, the next step is to determine which control measure to use.
- Baiting - used on Carpenter Ant trails
- Spraying- Non-Repellent sprays used as permiter treatment, may be used with baits
- Treating Voids - Foams or Dusts used in voids or galleries where Carpenter Ants are nesting
3. Prevention
The final step is to prevent further infestations by ant-proofing your home and yard, by clearing away rotting trees and lumber piles, fixing plumbing leaks, etc.
- Click Here: Prevention Tips.
Baiting Procedures for Foraging Ants and Ants in Recessed Areas
Apply Carpenter Ant Baits after inspecting their trails. The ant baits listed below are designed to attract Carpenter Ants. The foraging Carpenter Ants pick up the bait and share it with the entire colony, killing it.
Notes:
Do not put repellent insecticides, liquid or granulated, in the same area as baits. Repellent insecticides repel the insects away from the baits, rendering the baits useless. Use only non-repellent insecticides in the same area as baits.
It is important to remove other competing food sources (such as crumbs and pet food) that could interfere with the Ants taking the bait.
1. A good treatment choice is to bait both inside and the ground outside with a combination of baits.
- Both of the baits listed below are designed to allow foraging workers to take the bait to the queen in the nest, eliminating the colony/colonies, thereby preventing future outdoor populations from coming inside.
- These baits work well on Carpenter Ants and resist the elements, making them hardy choices for outside baiting. Carpenter Ants feed on sweet foods during certain cycles, and at other times feed on protein foods. The Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel contains honeydew, one of the major sweet-based food sources for these Ants. The Advance 375 A Ant Bait is a protein-based food for the Ant's protein needs.
- Use both baits for a complete balance of the Ant's dietary needs.
The Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel contains honeydew, one of the major sweet-based food sources for Carpenter Ants. |
The Advance 375 A Ant Bait is a protein-based food for the Ant's protein needs. |
|
Spraying Procedures for Foraging Carpenter Ants
At times you will have foraging Ants that come inside, forage for food, and then return to their outdoor nests.
You can block these foraging Ants using a perimeter treatment with a non-repellent residual insecticides such as Taurus SC or FUSE. Taurus SC and FUSE also control a wide variety of insects including Termites, Spiders, Roaches, Centipedes, Millipedes, Ticks, and many more.
| ![]()
|
Permitted Taurus SC Frequency and Dilution Rate Application Scenarios
%:
Taurus SC finished dilution 0.03% Mix 0.4 oz per gallon |
Taurus SC finished dilution 0.06% Mix 0.8 oz per gallon |
Taurus SC finished dilution 0.03% 2 times/calendar year and Taurus SC finished dilution 0.06% 1 time/calendar year |
We carry a special kit (DIY Complete Carpenter Ant Kit) with Taurus S, plus two Ant baits: Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel, a sweet-based
bait, and Advance 375 A Ant Bait to provide for the Ant's protein-based dietary needs.
- DIY Complete Carpenter Ant Kit made up of Taurus SC and Carpenter Ant baits at a reduced cost.
- More Carpenter Ant Bait Kits
Treating the Voids (Colonies Inside a Hollow Area)
Indoor nests (voids) are found in hollow doors, window sills, behind baseboards, or other natural hollow areas. These are the areas that warrant a complete inspection. Indoor Carpenter Ant damage oftentimes indicates water damage and wood decay. Making necessary repairs will help prevent re-infestation.
If you suspect the nest is in a wall, drill and treat at least 2–6 feet on either side of where the Ants are entering in order to maximize the opportunity to contact the nest directly, so you can get the queen.
Note: Do not use liquid insecticide in a wall void.
Treat wall voids and other hidden spaces where Ants hide by carefully
drilling a series of small (1/8-inch) holes and dusting the area with a residual
insecticide dust such as D Fense Dust. You can also use an aerosol with a crack and crevice tip such as Alpine Aerosol or an aerosol that foams such as Alpine Ant & Termite Foam. Both these methods provide a long-term residual effect.
WARNING: Never use liquid
insecticides or metal tipped devices around any electrical outlets.
Once you locate the nest, treat the nest directly with an aerosol spray or foam, such as:
![]()
D Fense Dust |
Alpine PT Aerosol (Non-Repellent) Alpine PT Aerosol, fitted with a crack and crevice tip, works well in void areas where you don't know exactly where the nest is located. |
Use Alpine Ant and Termite Foam (non-repellent) when you know exactly where the nest is located. |
Carpenter Ant Prevention
Follow these steps to prevent Carpenter Ant infestations:
- Correct moisture problems, roof leaks, and plumbing leaks.
- Cut back tree limbs or branches that could serve as a bridge to your structure.
- Seal cracks and openings around the foundation, especially where utility pipes and wires enter from the outside.
- Stack firewood away from the house, elevated off the ground if possible. Carpenter Ants love to nest in firewood.
Contact Us for further information and help with your carpenter ant issue. 1-800-476-3368