Carpenter ants are one of the most persistent pests that homeowners encounter. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build their nests, which can cause severe structural damage over time. If you notice carpenter ants in your home, especially carpenter ants in the kitchen, it’s crucial to act swiftly. In this article, we will discuss how to identify and eliminate carpenter ants, including finding the best exterminator for carpenter ants and exploring what deters carpenter ants effectively.
Why Are Carpenter Ants in the Kitchen?
Carpenter ants are drawn to moisture and food sources, which is why you may find carpenter ants in the kitchen. They are particularly attracted to sweet foods, grease, and proteins. Leaky pipes, damp wooden structures, and improperly stored food can all create the perfect environment for these pests.
How to Destroy a Carpenter Ant Nest
If you suspect an infestation, knowing how to destroy a carpenter ant nest is essential. Here are some steps you can take:
- Locate the Nest – Carpenter ants often build their nests in damp or decaying wood. Check behind walls, under floors, in attics, and even inside wooden furniture for carpenter ant holes in walls.
- Use Baiting Systems – Sugar and protein-based baits can lure worker ants, which will then carry the poison back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony.
- Apply Insecticidal Dusts – Products like Ortho Home Defense for carpenter ants can be applied into wall voids and nesting areas to exterminate the colony.
- Drill and Treat – If you find the nest inside a wooden structure, drilling small holes and injecting insecticide can be highly effective.
What Deters Carpenter Ants?
Prevention is just as crucial as extermination. Here are some strategies on what deters carpenter ants:
- Seal Entry Points – Inspect and seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Keep Wood Dry – Fix leaks and ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.
- Store Food Properly – Keep food in airtight containers and wipe down surfaces regularly.
- Use Natural Deterrents – Essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil have been known to repel ants.
Choosing the Best Pest Control for Carpenter Ants
If your infestation is severe, you may need professional assistance. The best exterminator for carpenter ants will assess your home, locate nests, and use specialized treatments to ensure total eradication. Searching for carpenter ant exterminators near me will help you find professionals experienced in eliminating these destructive pests.
Ortho Home Defense for Carpenter Ants: A Trusted Solution
Ortho Home Defense for carpenter ants is a popular over-the-counter solution that many homeowners trust. It is available in spray and granule form, allowing for both perimeter and direct treatment of problem areas. This product can be particularly useful for preventing new infestations once you’ve removed existing colonies.
Q&A About Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
1. How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in Walls?
Getting rid of carpenter ants in walls requires a strategic approach to eliminate the colony and prevent reinfestation. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the Nest Location
- Look for signs such as small piles of sawdust (frass), faint rustling noises inside the wall, and trails of large black ants.
- Carpenter ants are most active at night, so try following their movement to locate their nest.
Step 2: Apply Insecticidal Dust or Foam
- Drill small holes (about 1/8 inch) in the wall where the nest is suspected and inject an insecticidal dust or foam (such as Boric Acid, Diatomaceous Earth, or Pyrethrin-based products).
- These products will penetrate the colony and kill the ants over time.
Step 3: Use Ant Bait Stations
- Bait stations containing sweet or protein-based poison (like fipronil or borax-based baits) are effective because worker ants will carry the bait back to the colony, eventually killing the queen.
- Place bait along ant trails and near entry points.
Step 4: Seal Entry Points
- Inspect your home for cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Seal these openings with caulk or foam to prevent further infestations.
Step 5: Remove Moisture and Rotting Wood
- Carpenter ants prefer damp wood, so fix leaks, improve ventilation, and replace damaged wood to discourage their presence.
2. How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?
Professional exterminators use a combination of methods to effectively eliminate carpenter ants:
Inspection & Nest Detection
- Experts use specialized tools like moisture meters, borescopes, and infrared cameras to locate nests hidden in walls.
Treatment Methods Used by Exterminators
- Baiting Systems: Exterminators use high-grade bait formulations (such as those containing fipronil or abamectin) that worker ants carry back to the colony, killing the queen.
- Residual Insecticide Sprays: They apply non-repellent sprays (like Termidor SC or Taurus SC) around entry points, which ants unknowingly walk through and transfer to the colony.
- Dust & Foam Treatments: Professionals inject insecticidal dust (DeltaDust or Drione Dust) or expanding foam into wall voids to kill ants inside.
- Direct Nest Elimination: If a satellite colony is accessible, they may physically remove or treat it with insecticides.
- Barrier Treatment: Spraying long-lasting insecticides around the foundation, baseboards, and wall crevices to prevent re-entry.
Follow-Up Visits
- Most exterminators will return to ensure the colony is completely eradicated and apply preventative treatments.
3. Does Ortho Home Defense Kill Carpenter Ants?
Yes, Ortho Home Defense can kill carpenter ants, but its effectiveness depends on how it is applied.
- Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Spray (containing bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin) can kill carpenter ants on contact. However, it is a repellent spray, meaning it won’t effectively eliminate an entire colony.
- Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier creates a protective layer to keep ants out, but it won’t reach ants inside walls or deep in wood.
Best Use: Combine Ortho Home Defense with ant baits for better results, as baits target the colony while sprays act as a surface deterrent.
4. Does Home Defense Kill Carpenter Ants?
Yes, Home Defense products (like Ortho Home Defense) can kill carpenter ants on contact and create a barrier to prevent new infestations. However, they do not eliminate hidden colonies.
For best results:
- Use Ortho Home Defense Max Ant Bait alongside the spray to kill the entire colony.
- Apply the spray around entry points and baseboards to keep ants from re-entering.
5. How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Inside?
If you see carpenter ants inside, it means they are either foraging from an outdoor colony or there is an indoor nest. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate the Source
- If you see a few ants, follow their trail to find their entry points and potential nests inside the house.
Step 2: Use Ant Baits
- Sugar-based liquid bait (like Terro) attracts ants looking for sweets.
- Protein-based bait (like Advance Carpenter Ant Bait) works for ants seeking protein or fats.
- Place baits in areas where ants are frequently seen.
Step 3: Apply Insecticide Sprays or Dust
- Residual sprays (like Ortho Home Defense or Termidor SC) can be applied to baseboards, cracks, and crevices.
- Insecticidal dust (like Boric Acid or DeltaDust) works well inside wall voids.
Step 4: Remove Food and Moisture Sources
- Keep food sealed, wipe counters, and fix leaky pipes to make your home less attractive to ants.
Step 5: Seal Entry Points
- Use caulk or foam to block small openings where ants can enter.
6. How Does Pest Control Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?
Professional pest control follows a thorough process:
Step 1: Inspection
- Identifying the nest location using advanced tools.
Step 2: Treatment
- Baiting: Using slow-acting baits that worker ants carry back to kill the colony.
- Residual Sprays: Applying non-repellent insecticides (like Termidor or Taurus) that ants unknowingly transfer to their nest.
- Dust & Foam Treatments: Injecting insecticidal dust or foam into wall voids.
Step 3: Preventative Measures
- Sealing entry points and treating outdoor areas to prevent re-infestation.
Step 4: Follow-Up Visits
- Ensuring that the colony is fully eliminated and applying additional treatments if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Carpenter ants can be a significant nuisance and cause structural damage if left unchecked. By understanding how to destroy a carpenter ant nest, utilizing the best pest control for carpenter ants, and applying products like Ortho Home Defense for carpenter ants, you can protect your home from these unwelcome intruders. If you’re facing a severe infestation, don’t hesitate to search for carpenter ant exterminators near me to find professional help. With the right approach, you can keep your home safe and free from carpenter ants for good.
Final Tips for Carpenter Ant Control
✔ Use a combination of baits, insecticide sprays, and dusts for maximum effectiveness.
✔ Remove moisture sources and seal entry points to prevent re-infestation.
✔ For severe infestations, call a professional exterminator for thorough treatment.
Related Articles :