How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants: A Complete DIY Guide

April 13, 2025

Carpenter ants are more than just a nuisance; they can cause serious structural damage to your home if left unchecked. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they burrow into it to create nests. Over time, this tunneling can weaken wooden structures, leading to costly repairs. If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, it’s important to act quickly and effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to get rid of carpenter ants using safe and effective methods.

Understanding Carpenter Ants

Before jumping into solutions, it’s crucial to understand what carpenter ants are and why they might invade your home.

What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are large ants, usually black, but they can also be red or a combination of both. They range in size from 6 to 13 mm and are commonly found in moist, decaying wood.

Why Are They a Problem?

These ants build their nests by hollowing out wood, which can compromise the structural integrity of your home. While they don’t consume wood like termites, their nesting habits can still be very damaging.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Sawdust piles (frass) near wooden structures
Rustling sounds inside walls
Winged ants emerging indoors
Visible ants, especially at night

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Step 1: Identify the Source

The first and most important step is locating the nest. Follow the ants to see where they’re entering and exiting. Carpenter ants often establish satellite nests indoors while the main nest remains outdoors.

Pro Tip: Use bait to track ants back to their nest. Place sweet bait like sugar or honey and observe their trail.

Step 2: Eliminate Moisture

Carpenter ants prefer damp environments. Fix leaky pipes, improve ventilation in crawl spaces, and replace any water-damaged wood to make your home less appealing to them.

Step 3: Use Ant Baits

Commercial ant baits are effective for carpenter ants. Place the baits along ant trails and near suspected nesting sites. The ants will carry the poison back to their colony, eliminating the nest over time.

Recommended Baits:

Terro Liquid Ant Bait
Advance Carpenter Ant Bait

Step 4: Apply Insecticidal Dust

If you locate the nest, use an insecticidal dust such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth. Inject the dust into wall voids, baseboards, or any crevices where ants may be hiding.

Safety Tip: Always wear gloves and a mask when handling insecticides.

Step 5: Spray Insecticides (Optional)

Use a residual insecticide spray around the perimeter of your home and entry points such as doors, windows, and vents. This can help prevent ants from re-entering.

Step 6: Seal Entry Points

After treating the infestation, seal all cracks and crevices that could serve as entry points. Use caulk or weather stripping to block potential access.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

If you prefer eco-friendly solutions, try these natural remedies:

Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray directly on ants and along their trails. Vinegar disrupts their scent paths and deters them from returning.

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and citrus oil are natural ant repellents. Mix a few drops with water and spray in problem areas.

Boric Acid and Sugar Bait

Mix boric acid with sugar to attract and kill ants. Place the mixture in small containers near ant trails.

Diatomaceous Earth

This natural powder damages the exoskeleton of ants, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle it around entry points and nest areas.

How to Prevent Carpenter Ants

Preventing an infestation is always easier than dealing with one. Follow these tips to keep your home ant-free:

Keep your home dry: Repair leaks and ensure proper drainage around your home.
Store firewood away: Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground.
Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging branches can act as bridges for ants.
Seal food and trash: Keep food in airtight containers and take out the trash regularly.
Inspect regularly: Check your home for signs of ants, especially in spring and summer.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried everything and the infestation persists, it might be time to call in a pest control expert. Professionals have access to stronger pesticides and can ensure that the entire colony is eradicated.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get rid of carpenter ants is essential for protecting your home from structural damage. By identifying the problem early and taking decisive action, you can eliminate these pests and prevent future infestations. Whether you opt for commercial products or natural remedies, consistency and vigilance are key. With the right approach, you can reclaim your home from carpenter ants and enjoy peace of mind.

FAQs

Q: Are carpenter ants dangerous?
A: While they don’t pose a health threat, their nesting habits can cause serious damage to wood structures.

Q: How long does it take to get rid of carpenter ants?
A: It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the colony and the methods used.

Q: Can carpenter ants come back?
A: Yes, if the main nest isn’t destroyed or if conditions remain favorable. Regular maintenance and prevention are crucial.

Q: What time of year are carpenter ants most active?
A: They are most active in the spring and summer when they are foraging and reproducing.

Q: Do carpenter ants bite?
A: Yes, they can bite if provoked, but bites are generally harmless and rare.