Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants in Your Home and Yard

If you’ve frequently noticed ants running across your counter or swarming your left-over food, you may have a large ant colony somewhere in your home.
Ants may be small, and they may seem inconsequential, but they are persistent and over time they can wreak havoc on your home. Carpenter ants, in particular, can do significant damage to your home and property.

Carpenter ants are aptly named because they prefer to establish colonies in wood. These large ants are indigenous to forested areas, but it is not uncommon to see them milling around your yard and home. Carpenter ants build nests consisting of galleries which they create by chewing with their mandibles, something they have in common with certain termite species. However, unlike termites, carpenter ants do not consume the wood.

If you have an infestation, here’s how you can get rid of carpenter ants in your home and yard:

Keep an eye out for areas prone to moisture

Moisture creates the perfect environment for carpenter ants to thrive, and soft, chewable and rotting wood makes it easy for them to build their nests. Ensuring that leaks are fixed quickly and properly and repairing areas with water damaged wood will help to keep carpenter ants away. You must also pay close attention to areas such as doors and windows where condensation may occur as carpenter ants may nest in those spots as well.

Dispose of food scraps and waste

Another step in getting rid of ants is to eliminate their food sources. Protein and sugar are particularly attractive to ants. Food that is left unattended presents ants with a buffet to feed on. So, dispose of your leftover food and keep your garbage cans sealed.

Clear your yard of firewood

If you allow wood in your yard to get wet, you are likely to attract Carpenter ants. Carpenter ant colonies in damp firewood outdoor can lead to an infestation inside your home. Therefore, you must ensure that your woodpile is stored in a dry place and get rid of any unwanted wood to prevent carpenter ant colonies from growing.

Call a pest control company

While you may be able to get rid of some ants with the above-mentioned steps, you will need the help of a professional to eliminate them completely. A pest control professional can properly assess the damage and determine the best course of action to deal with the ants in your house and yard. They can also identify if there are any other ant species that may be a cause for concern.

Do you need help getting rid of carpenter ants?

If you are dealing with an ant infestation in the Metro Vancouver area, contact the pest control experts at Pest Detective. At Pest Detective, we have over 30 years of experience helping to keep homes throughout the Lower Mainland and surrounding areas free from carpenter ants and other pests. We also care about the environment. That is why we use only environmentally friendly, non-toxic pest control solutions.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to schedule an inspection. Let us help you enjoy your property and entertain your family and friends comfortably with the peace of mind our pest control services provider.