Carpenter Ants In My Camper? Trust The Answer

Although many species of ants can cause problems in a household, few are as potentially harmful as the carpenter ant. This aptly named species builds its nest by ripping tunnels through wood. If left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on a home and result in thousands of dollars in damage. The worst part? Once a colony has established itself in your home, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. For this reason, it is crucial to find a suitable solution that will finally eliminate the colony.

Ant killers offer an inexpensive alternative to hiring a professional exterminator to rid your home of destructive ants. These products come in a variety of forms: sprays that kill on contact; liquid baits that attract and infect worker ants, which carry the venom back to their colony; and granules applied outdoors to prevent ants from entering the home.

This buyer’s guide provides purchasing considerations and recommendations for effective products to help you find the best carpenter ant killer for your pest problem.

What to consider when choosing the best ant killer

Understanding how the different types of ant killers work is key to solving a carpenter ant problem. Learn about granules, sprays, and gels ahead of time, along with other factors to consider when choosing the right product.

Type

Like many ant killers, those specific to carpenter ants come in two basic types: baits and insecticides that kill on contact. True to its name, the latter type of insecticide kills ants within seconds of contact. Kill-on-contact insecticides are usually available in aerosol spray bottles.

These sprays kill the ants almost instantly, and many leave behind a residue that kills other ants scurrying through the substance days later. Although kill-on-contact products eliminate the immediate threat, they are not effective in destroying the colony unless sprayed directly onto an anthill.

Baits consist of a small container containing either dry pellets or a sticky liquid. The bait attracts ants and works in two ways: either the pellets are collected and carried back to the colony, or a sticky liquid or gel adheres to the ants’ bodies. The ants carry the poison back to the colony, where it infects other ants and, if lucky, the queen.

Bait toxin is delayed in action, killing the ants days or weeks after exposure. This delayed action gives the ants time to return and infect the entire colony. Although baits don’t provide the instant gratification that sprays do, they do have better long-term results by eliminating entire colonies.

active ingredients

Ant killers use a variety of active ingredients in chemical warfare against ants. Borax is a particularly popular pesticide; The substance is lethal to ants but only slightly toxic to humans, making it suitable for indoor ant baits.

Hydramethylnon is another common compound that is lethal to ants while posing minimal risk to humans. Other active ingredients used in the Ant Killer include Indoxacarb, Avermectin, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, and Fipronil.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies these chemicals as “reduced-risk” pesticides, meaning they have low toxicity to humans. Keep in mind that a low level of toxicity does not make these products completely harmless; Pesticides of any kind should be handled with care.

application methods

Ant bait comes in a variety of forms, each with a different method of application and specific means of killing ants. Consider whether you prefer ant killer bait stations, granules, sprays or dust based on the following characteristics:

Bait stations are closed plastic containers with small holes through which ants can enter, pick up liquid or gel bait, and then exit. It can take several days for these baits to kill the ant, giving it time to return to the colony and infect the population. Bait stations usually contain liquid or gel ingredients that stick to the invading ants.

Granules are sprinkled on the ground, where they dissolve, leaving a residue that kills ants on contact. The granules treat the soil for several months, creating a barrier that prevents ants from entering the house.

Sprays consist of a thin, sticky liquid that can be applied directly to ants to kill them on contact, or to cracks and crevices where ants enter the home. Sprays leave residue that infects and kills any ants that cross over it.

Dust ant exterminators typically use diatomaceous earth, a natural substance that is toxic to ants. When ants crawl through, the dust penetrates their exoskeletons and dries them out from the inside.

security

Many of the active ingredients in ant killers are harmless to human health. Still, consumers should exercise caution when using pesticides in or around the home. When using an ant killer, it is important to take precautions to limit and prevent exposure. Please note the following tips when applying:

Always wear protective gloves when handling an ant killer.

Do not place baits in areas accessible to children or curious pets who may come into contact with them.

Spray and dust can be absorbed by the skin, so do not apply in high traffic areas.

Avoid treating areas where food is stored or prepared.

When applying an ant spray, wear eye protection and direct the spray away from your eyes or exposed skin.

versatility

Carpenter Ant Killers are effective at more than just eliminating and controlling ant infestations. These multifunctional products can also eliminate a wide range of other common pests including cockroaches, fleas, crickets, termites and other insects. Most manufacturers list the types of insects that the pesticide treats on the product container.

Additional functions

Many ant baits have additional properties that make them suitable for use in different environments. Ant killers with syringe applicators make it easy to target areas such as small cracks and gaps between baseboards where ants can enter. This allows the user to treat the affected area without overspray, minimizing exposure to people and pets.

Bait stakes have a time-delayed poison that not only wipes out existing colonies, but also prevents ants from arriving and starting new ones. Outdoor bait stations have a waterproof housing to prevent rain from contacting the poison and thereby ruining the bait station.

Our top picks

The following list includes ant killers that are capable of killing ants that find their way into a home while being capable of killing an entire ant colony in a matter of days. These powerful ant killers come from some of the best known manufacturers of residential pest control products.

Best Overall 1 Terro T300B Liquid Ant Killer, 12 Bait Stations Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Terro’s popular gel-filled bait stations are an affordable and safe option for carpentry ant control. The concept of these traps is simple but effective: the worker ants enter the trap, become covered in toxic liquid, and then return to the colony to infect the queen – eliminating the entire population and ending the pest war. The baits are designed to destroy the colony in a few days. The active ingredient is borax, so this bait is safe for indoor use. Installation is simple: release the tab to open the entrance to the bait and place the bait station anywhere there is ant traffic. The Terro Ant Killer is available in packs of 6 and 12. Product Specifications Type: Bait Station

Bait station lifespan: 3 months

3 Months Count: 12 Pros Destroy the colony in a few days

Safe for indoor use

Comes in a pack of 12. Cons Can be difficult to open without spilling contents. Get the Terro Liquid Carpenter Ant Killer from Amazon or The Home Depot.

Runner Up 2 Hot Shot MaxAttrax Ant Bait Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Although ant baits may not offer the instant gratification of killing on contact like the fast-acting sprays do, baits are one of the most effective means of eliminating ants. and Hot Shot’s MaxAttrax is one of the best. These lures consist of a small ant house that attracts worker ants, which enter, coat themselves in venom, and then return to the colony to infect and kill the queen. The active ingredient in this bait is indoxacarb, which is lethal to insects but is listed by the EPA as a reduced-risk pesticide. This ingredient is therefore suitable for indoor use in places where ants are active. An advantage of this bait is that it works for up to 6 months, eliminating existing colonies while preventing the establishment of new nests. Product Specifications Type: Bait Station

Bait station lifespan: 6 months

6 Months Quantity: 4 or 8 Traps Pros Starts working in hours

Safe for indoor use

Lasts up to 6 months. Cons Does not work on certain types of ants Get the Hot Shot Carpenter Ant Killer from Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck 3 Raid Max Double Control Ant Bait Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Containing eight ant baits at one bargain price, this value pack offers an economical solution to a carpenter ant problem. These ant baits feature a dual control lure that contains two types of food to attract ants. The active ingredient, avermectin, produces delayed toxicity, killing infected ants within a day or two of exposure. This gives the ant time to return to the colony to infect the rest of the population. These baits effectively kill an entire colony within a week and last up to 3 months, preventing the establishment of new ant colonies. These baits are suitable for indoor use in kitchens, bathrooms and other living areas. Product Specifications Type: Bait Station

Bait station lifespan: 3 months

3 Months Quantity: 8 Traps Benefits Low price

Will kill an entire colony

Safe for indoor use Cons It takes longer to get to work Get the Raid Max Carpenter Ant Killer from Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Bait Gel 4 Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price This Combat Gel Bait’s syringe design allows for a precise attack on ants. It works by injecting a line of gel into hard-to-reach places where ants travel or enter the home, such as. B. Small cracks around windows and along baseboards. Ants eat the gel and then return to the nest, where they pass the venom to other ants before dying – destroying the colony in 3 to 5 days. This bait gel contains the active ingredient fipronil, which kills ants just a few hours after ingestion. The syringe dispenses a thin bead of gel suitable for areas where a spray could damage paint or furniture finishes. It also minimizes the amount of poison spread, reducing the chances of the toxin coming into contact with pets and humans. Product Specifications Type: Gel

Gel Longevity: Not specified

Not specified Quantity: 0.95 ounces Pros design allows for precise application to small cracks and crevices

Spreads a small amount of poison

Can destroy a colony in days. Cons: Small coverage area.

Best Granular 5 Spectracide Ant Shield Bug Killer Granules Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The toxic granules are dispersed by opening the bottom of the sachet and shaking, minimizing the need to mix or handle the pesticide. This process ensures a safer and more convenient style of application. The granules contain lambda-cyhalothrin and dissolve in the soil. This product is designed for outdoor use on the lawn and around the home’s foundation, creating a barrier that prevents ants from entering the home. Any ants that touch the granules will die on contact. This product not only kills ants but is also effective against a wide range of other insect pests including cockroaches, fleas and crickets. Product Specifications Type: Granules

Granular Longevity: N/A

N/A Quantity: 3 pounds Pros Kills on contact

Works outdoors

Kills a wide range of insects. Disadvantages. Not safe for indoor use. Get Spectracide Carpenter Ant Killer Granules from Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Spray 6 Raid Ant Killer Spray Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Ant sprays are effective in controlling an ant population and offer the satisfaction of killing the tiny invaders on contact. However, many sprays are harmful to pets and children. Using essential oils that are toxic to ants but safe for humans and animals, Raid offers a formula ideal for indoor use. Instead of pesticides, this spray uses lemongrass extract and geraniol, an extract from pine trees. This versatile spray does more than just ants; it kills cockroaches and 20 other common household insects. Use this spray around door panels, baseboards, and other cracks where ants infiltrate the home. This spray may stain certain surfaces and colors so be sure to test the product before use. Product Specifications Type: Spray

Spray durability: N/A

N/A Quantity: 11 ounces Pros Uses essential oils that are safe around pets and children

Kills different types of bugs

Kills bugs fast Cons Doesn’t last as long as other spray types Get Raid Carpenter Ant Killer Spray on Amazon.

Best Natural 7 Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth Ant and Bug Killer Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price For those looking to end their ant problem without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment, diatomaceous earth is a solid option. This natural substance consists of the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms; it penetrates the exoskeletons of ants, dehydrating them from the inside out and killing them within 48 hours. Diatomaceous earth is also an effective way to kill bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, and other creepy crawlies. This product is not harmful to humans or pets and provides a safe pest solution for homes with pets and young children. Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth comes in 4 pound bags. Product Specifications Type: Powder

Powder Shelf Life: Does not expire

Does not expire Amount: 4 pounds Benefits Starts killing in 48 hours

Doesn’t expire

Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

Non-Toxic Cons May get dirty when used indoors

Best Outdoor 8 Amdro Ant Block Granules Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Why wait for the ants to invade the sanctity of the home before tackling the problem? Take a pre-emptive strike with this granular-based product from Amdro. This hydramethylnon pesticide is designed to be sprinkled throughout the home outside and create a protective barrier that prevents ants from reaching the home. Worker ants take the bait and return to the colony with it, poisoning the entire population and putting an end to the threat. The granules come in a large 24-ounce bottle with a shaker attachment that allows the user to sprinkle them around the home. A single bottle can cover up to 1,080 linear feet and will last up to 3 months. Product Specifications Type: Granules

Shelf life of the granules: 3 months

3 months Quantity: 24 ounces Benefits Creates an outdoor barrier

Lasts up to 3 months

Covers a large area. Cons: Not suitable for indoor use. Get the Amdro Ant Killer from Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best for Nests 9 Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Most liquid ant baits are not suitable for outdoor use as they are rain permeable. Thanks to its innovative design, this liquid ant bait from Terro is impervious to rain. The bait is covered and lifted off the ground so no rain can get in. The ants come and go over a ramp. Pegs keep the bait station firmly rooted in the ground and prevent tipping over. Once inside, the ants come into contact with the poison, which uses borax as the active ingredient. The ants then return to the colony to infect others and eventually the entire colony. Product Specifications Type: Bait Station

Bait station lifespan: 3 months

3 Months Quantity: 6 Traps Benefits Rainproof design

Lasts up to 3 months

Large base prevents tipping. Cons Can be difficult to break the seal without spilling some of the contents. Get Terro Carpenter Ant Killer Bait on Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Termite and Ant Killer 10 Spectracide Terminate Termite and Carpenter Ant Killers Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Termites and carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage to a home, either by feeding or by nesting in its wooden frame. This Spectracide ant and termite killer is designed to eliminate both types of insects on contact. It features a gun-shaped applicator with a high-pressure spray that can be used to treat areas around the home’s foundation that are inhabited by carpenter ants and termites. When applied to the foundation it stays in the soil for up to 9 months preventing future infestations. It is also suitable for use around baseboards and cabinets, as well as outdoors around patios and wooden fences. In addition to ants and termites, this product eliminates spiders, cockroaches and other pests. Product Specifications Type: Spray

Shelf life of the spray: 9 months

9 months Quantity: 1.3 gallons Benefits Lasts up to 9 months

Kill other pests

Odorless formula

Works indoors and out Cons Does not work on all species of ants Get the Spectracide Carpenter Ant Killer from Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our verdict

With a design that preserves the safety of the active ingredient and its ability to kill an entire colony, Terro Liquid Ant Killer is the best all-around solution for driving ants out of your home. Those looking for a product that will kill ants quickly without posing a threat to those living in the home should consider Raid Ant Killer Spray, which uses essential oils to eliminate these pests.

How We Selected The Best Carpenter Ant Killers

A good carpenter ant killer should be an effective and safe way to remove these wood-destroying insects from your home. With this in mind, we have selected products that use active ingredients proven to kill ants without harming the occupants of the home. To be effective, an ant killer needs to affect more than just the ants that take the bait, so we’ve chosen products that can destroy entire colonies. In addition, we have chosen ant killers that take longer to work but ultimately eliminate the ant problem more effectively than kill-on-contact products.

In terms of safety, the user should not have to come into contact with the bait, so we have selected products that limit exposure of the active ingredient to the person applying it. Where possible, we have chosen eco-friendly products that contain only natural ingredients that are non-toxic to humans and pets.

Tips to keep carpenter ants away naturally

Although there are many products that use chemicals to kill carpenter ants, there are also many ways to keep carpenter ants at bay without having to use a pesticide. Carpenter ants are attracted to wet and rotting wood. Those who keep their homes well maintained and repair damage as soon as it is discovered will not attract carpenter ants.

Carpenter ants also like heavily wooded areas, so keep brush and branches away from the home’s exterior. Also make sure that mulch and soil do not come in contact with the wooden parts of the house. Cracks and crevices around the foundation of the house can serve as entrances for carpenter ants. Sealing these gaps makes it harder for carpenter ants to find a way in.

Repair leaks and water damage immediately.

Keep brush and branches away from the house.

Do not let the landscaping come into contact with wooden parts of the house.

Seal cracks and crevices around the home’s foundation.

frequently asked Questions

If you still have questions about carpenter ant killers, read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these insects and products.

Q: What drives carpenter ants away?

Carpenter ants use pheromones to create tracks that other ants follow. You can disrupt this communication system by using essential oils like clove, lemongrass, peppermint, orange, and lemon, which confuse carpenter ants and prevent them from following the trail.

Q: Do carpenter ants go away on their own?

Once they have made a nest in damp wood, carpenter ants will not move away on their own. The nest will continue to grow and expand if left untreated, which can cause serious damage to the home and other structures.

Q: How do you treat a carpenter ant infestation?

There are several ways to treat a carpenter ant infestation. Outdoor granules are a great way to eliminate colonies in the garden or create a barrier around the home. Liquid baits designed for indoor use are a good way to eliminate colonies by infecting worker ants, which bring the venom back to the nest.

Q: Does regular ant bait kill carpenter ants?

Although many ant baits will kill carpenter ants and other types of ants, you should check carefully what species the product is targeting before purchasing.

DIY household methods to get rid of carpenter ants

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it’s important that you don’t immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see in your home. The first step is to locate the nest so you can destroy the colony.

find the nest

As soon as you see carpenter ants in your house, follow them. When these ants walk, they lay scent trails that allow other ants to follow them to and from food sources. You may have to be patient and follow them back to baseboards, closets, doors or other wooden structures. You may even have to follow them outside if they nest in stumps or dead trees.

But even if you have an ant problem, you may not always see real ants around. If this is the case, you may need to lure them out with a sweet bait like diluted honey or sugared milk.

Carpenter ants are nocturnal so set the bait out at night and then wait. When you reach the suspected area of ​​the nest, listen carefully – you may be able to hear a faint rustling sound. You can also tap on areas of suspected nests to listen for hollow sounds of damaged wood.

kill ants

Once you find the carpenter ant nest, you have several options for extermination.

insecticides

The most common solution is to use an insecticide that contains pyrethroids. The trick is to get insecticide spray or dust inside the nest. You should never spray liquids near electrical outlets or junction boxes, but insecticidal dust can be used in these areas.

You can spray into any existing cracks, but you will likely need to drill additional holes in the cavities in walls or hollow doors to gain access to the colony. Always follow the directions on the packaging when using pesticides. Also, only apply it to nests – killing individual worker ants won’t solve the problem.

Boric acid dust also kills carpenter ants on contact, and it can be safer and easier to get into tiny spaces. Boric acid dust should be available at most hardware stores, and you’ll typically use an included applicator to blow the dust into any holes or crevices.

bait

Ant bait is another possible solution, but it takes a little longer to work. They simply place the poisoned bait along the ants’ routes for them to pick them up and bring them back to the nest. There are baits specific to carpenter ants, as generic ant baits may not be effective. Still, ants can be picky, and if they ignore one type of bait, you may need to try another.

desiccant

Desiccants are products that kill insects by destroying the protective outer layer of their bodies and causing them to dry out. Only licensed exterminators can apply silica gel, but diatomaceous earth is another common desiccant that anyone can purchase. It is non-toxic to humans and animals, but be careful not to inhale the fine dust, which can cause lung damage. You can apply it to nests in the same way as an insecticidal dust.

Natural solutions

Both diatomaceous earth and boric acid are non-pesticide ant killers. If you do an internet search, you will find results claiming that all types of essential oils or household products “repel” carpenter ants. Even if this is true, you don’t want a repellent at this stage of an infestation, as the ants will likely simply move within your home or property, likely to a more difficult location to treat. You need to kill the colony in your home before dealing with ant repellent.

High winds, heavy rain, ice levees are all examples of Maine’s inclement weather. Weather that unfortunately can cause minor to major damage to homes AND that paves the way for wood-destroying carpenter ants. While you may see large black ants foraging in and around your home, you won’t necessarily see them actively damaging your home. For this reason, it’s important for homeowners in Augusta, Portland, and throughout Maine to know what carpenter ant warning signs to look out for.

Signs that you may have a carpenter ant problem The presence of large black ants (or possibly red) Carpenter ants do not eat wood. As with other ants, their diet consists of food they acquire. Although they are usually nocturnal wanderers, they can be spotted around the kitchen, searching the floor for crumbs or anything particularly sweet. They also forage outside, feeding on honeydew from aphids and other insects, sap, pollen, nectar and fruit, and insects (dead or alive, they don’t care).

The Occurrence of Frass Because carpenter ants chew wood but don’t eat it, they need to do something with the coarse sawdust that accumulates in their burrows. Carpenter ants push the sawdust, also called frass, out of small kick-out holes they have created. You may notice that debris has accumulated on the floor beneath these holes or even adhered to the walls below.

Swarms of carpenter ants When flying ants appear in your house or even outside, it is a clear sign that there is an active carpenter ant nest nearby. Flying ants are the reproductive members of the colony and “swarm” to mate and build more nests.

Sounds of carpenter ants in the walls If you hear a faint rustling coming from your walls, don’t ignore it. There’s a good chance a large infestation of carpenter ants is at work behind the surface. Often compared to crackling cellophane, the sounds are more noticeable at night.

When are carpenter ants most active in Maine? Carpenter ants are most active in Maine during the spring and summer months. During the winter months they are usually dormant – although a nice warm day can wake them up.

Why do I suddenly have carpenter ants? If you suddenly see carpenter ants in your house and it’s late winter or early spring, chances are you have a nest somewhere in the house. If you notice these ants later in the year, it’s not so obvious if they’ve been there all along or if it’s a new problem. Another reason you may see carpenter ants is when wet conditions (often caused by weather damage, plumbing problems, condensation, etc.) are prevalent in or around your home.

How long does it take carpenter ants to do damage? In general, carpenter ant damage occurs slowly and it often takes years for the problems to become noticeable. It’s only when you notice that your windows and windows are starting to stick, it feels like your floors are sinking or feeling spongy, your walls are starting to buckle that you may realize there is an infestation of carpenter ants.

How do I get rid of carpenter ants in my home? To get rid of carpenter ants infesting your home or property, you need a pest control professional. At Pine State Pest Solutions, we offer a few carpenter ant control options.

One-time Carpenter Ant Treatment Overview We begin with a thorough inspection to locate all nests on the property and assess the severity of the infestation.

We operate an indoor carpenter ant control service that kills carpenter ants on contact. The material we are using also has an aftermath effect that eliminates carpenter ants appearing in the nest after foraging.

We also perform an external carpenter ant treatment that creates a protective barrier around the entire perimeter of the foundation.

Depending on the severity of the infestation, carpenter ant follow-up treatments may be required.

Semi-Annual Carpenter Treatment Overview We will come out in the spring and do an outdoor carpenter ant treatment that will prevent these wood-destroying ants from entering your home.

We will return in the fall to apply another external treatment that eliminates carpenter ants and is also effective in eradicating overwintering insects such as stink bugs and elderberry.

Pine State’s Home Protection Plan for Carpenter Ants and Other Pests

Carpenter ants prefer to nest in damp wood or structures that have already been damaged by other insects. Therefore, most carpenter ant nests are found in rotten wood in areas such as windows, chimneys, sinks, door frames or bathtub enclosures, and in cavities such as wall cavities. Given the ideal conditions of moist wood, appropriate temperatures, and protection from predators and environmental changes, carpenter ant colonies can thrive.

There are two types of carpenter ant nests: parent colonies and satellite colonies. Parent colonies contain workers, numerous broods, and an egg-laying queen, while satellite colonies may have workers, adult larvae, and pupae. Any of these nests can become a problem in homes and buildings.

Carpenter ants can build their nests indoors or outdoors. When carpenter ants nest outdoors, they are often found in hardwood trees that have holes and other defects. Because carpenter ant nests require constant temperature and humidity, they often look for damp or rotten wood. When carpenter ants nest in non-wooden areas, they have found an alternative location that provides them with a constant temperature, safety from natural predators, and protection from the elements.

Indoors, carpenter ant nests can be found in wood damaged by moisture. Unlike termites and beetles, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Although workers dig through wood with their mouthparts, they dig galleries for nests.

The potential damage done by carpenter ants to a home, building, or other structure can depend on the number and size of nests that are present in an area. The longer the infestation goes untreated, the more damage can occur. For this reason, it is important to locate carpenter ant nests early.

Although carpenter ant nests can be difficult to find, most experts recommend tapping on wooden surfaces for a hollow sound, which can indicate damaged wood. Using this technique can cause ant workers to panic and emerge from their nests. If you are concerned that you have a carpenter’s nest infestation in your home, it is best to consult a pest controller to develop a customized solution to control the infestation.

Treatment & Damage

ID

Biology & Anatomy

Although there are over 12,000 known species of ants, they can ultimately be divided into two categories: annoying but harmless and seriously destructive. During the warmer months, your indoor and outdoor spaces can harbor animals in both categories, and you may be desperate to figure out how to get rid of ants. There are the improvised cities of tiny street ants popping up on your paths, driveway, and sidewalk (harmless, but the opposite of curb).

There’s also the little black sugar ants that magically invade your home to find that tiny crumb you dropped on the floor (relatively harmless, although they can transmit bacteria). Then there are the big carpenter ants that have taken on the summer job of destroying your home from the inside out. Not good – and they bite too. If you’re wondering how to get rid of carpenter ants, here’s everything you need to know.

What are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants get their name because of the way they damage the wood that makes up your home and furniture. While they don’t consume wood like termites, they do chew and excrete it to create pathways for themselves and their thousands of friends and family members. If you see random clusters of particles that look like wood shavings, that’s a sign you have carpenter ants. (Fun fact: Insect experts call this stuff “frass.”)

You can distinguish a carpenter ant from other species by its size. They are large: Approximately 1/2″ to 5/8″. Carpenter ants are also usually red-black, or all red, all black, or all brown.

How do carpenter ants get into a house?

Carpenter ants love wet and/or moldy wood, so if there is a moisture problem in any part of your home, they will be drawn to those areas. However, carpenter ants don’t always get into your home by chewing through wood. They can get into your house through any crack or tiny opening, even if it’s high off the ground (carpenter ants simply use a branch or climb up pipes and wires to get there).

Indoors, carpenter ants usually like to build their homes near water sources. Areas near air conditioners, dishwashers, sinks, and bathtubs are all popular spots for carpenter ants.

How do I get rid of carpenter ants?

It’s not that easy to kill any ant you happen to see. Like all ants, carpenter ant colonies begin with scout ants, which scour your home for the best places to eat or hang out. Then, once they hit a good food source, their friends (the “workers”) will follow the trail and build a nest nearby in your wall. If you’ve spotted some stray carpenters, congratulations, you’ve probably found these little explorers. Here’s what to do next:

Make a decoy to find the nest. Pest experts advise laying out a lure for the ant to bring back to the nest so you can actually find the nest simply by watching them. They are attracted to sweets, so a bit of jam or jelly can work. You can also mix equal parts sugar and baking soda, then pour the mixture into a shallow bowl. The sugar attracts the ants, but the baking soda naturally kills them.

Eliminate traces of odor. Carpenter ants rely on pheromone trails to find food sources and travel. By cleaning surfaces where ants have traveled, you destroyed this treasure map to your home. You can use essential oils like tea tree, lemon, orange, or cedarwood on a cotton ball to wipe down surfaces to break up these marks. Or, make a solution of 1 part dish soap and 2 parts water and pour it into a spray bottle. (You can also use this to kill ants after you find their nest.) You can also use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.

Destroy the nest. Once you’ve found the nest by following ants, by spotting “Frass” near a wall, or by being able to hear a faint rustling in the wall, you’ll need to penetrate the wall to destroy it. Terminix recommends drilling 1/8-inch holes every six inches in the area where you suspect the nest may be. Then use a feather duster to “blow” boric acid through the holes. (The boric acid will kill the ants.) You may have to repeat treatments several times to destroy the nest.

When do I need to call in a professional to deal with the carpenter ants?

If this sounds like more work or more mess than you’re willing to make, then consult a professional. Even if you successfully get rid of the carpenter ant nest, there could still be more in your home. Call an exterminator to verify that the nest is destroyed and to look for possible other nests. You should also call a professional if you couldn’t find the nest but still see carpenter ants.

This content is created and maintained by a third party and imported to this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may find more information about this and similar content on piano.io

This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe. Scott McCombe is CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest control, animal control and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized by HomeAdvisor as a Top Rated Professional and Elite Service Award. This article has been viewed 1,315,033 times.

Article overview

X

To get rid of carpenter ants, mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and set it where you saw the ants. The powdered sugar will attract the ants and the baking soda will kill them. Spray any ants you encounter with soapy water to kill them and get rid of their scent trail. Try to find the ants’ nest by following them where they return their food. Or look for damaged wood in and around your home, as carpenter ants will chew through wood to build their nests. When you find the nest, spray it with a non-toxic insecticide or pour boiling water inside if it’s outdoors. For serious infestations, consider calling a pest control agency. To keep carpenter ants from coming back, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray your baseboards, window sills, and countertops with it. The smell of the vinegar will confuse and deter the ants. You should also keep your kitchen as clean as possible, as carpenter ants are attracted to crumbs and spilled food. Finally, make sure you seal entrances like doors and windows, and cut back bushes or trees where carpenter ants might nest. To learn how to tell the differences between carpenter ants and termites, read on.

When should you be worried about carpenter ants?

In: |

There are many ways to find out if you have carpenter ants. You might see a single ant walking around on a counter or floor. You may see an ant climbing a cereal box in your closet. You may see a large black (or reddish black) ant on the food in your pet’s bowl, or worse, a line of ants going from your pet’s bowl to somewhere under your kitchen cabinets. Your first encounter with carpenter ants may be when large ant hawk moths appear on the inside of your windows. The last way to find out you have carpenter ants is when you notice the patio doors won’t slide properly or a window won’t open. So when should you be worried about carpenter ants?

If you see a single reddish or black ant with a single lump between the abdomen and chest anywhere in your home, it’s time to start worrying about carpenter ants. The only reason you should be concerned is that carpenter ants don’t always feed in a house they infest. They can damage your walls but will feed on something outside of your home. If you see a lone carpenter ant every now and then, that’s a warning sign you should be aware of.

Carpenter ants send out scout ants to find food. They will not crawl around your house in large numbers. You will likely only see a single ant here or there.

Only when carpenter ants find a food source will they mobilize in large numbers. Then it’s hard to miss them. They will go to the food source, lock and discard until they are full. But because so few carpenter ant scouts roam your home in search of food, you can miss a food source for weeks or even months before these ants find it. This can give the impression that you don’t have that many carpenter ants in your home. But don’t trust the uniqueness of your home to this perception. The only way to determine the extent of your infestation is to have a pest specialist do a detailed inspection.

Don’t wait until you see the damage. Don’t wait for carpenter ant hawk moths to crawl around the inside of your windows. If you see these large wood-chewing ants, contact a pest control company and have them examine them.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in life. Protect that investment from carpenter ants and other wood-destroying organisms with the professionals at American Pest Solutions.

Killing Carpenter Ants Naturally (Tips That Actually Work)

Tips on how to kill carpenter ants naturally

Have you seen little piles of wood shavings around your house? If so, you may have a case of carpenter ants. Do not worry about it! In this article, we will help you understand where carpenter ants come from and how to get rid of carpenter ants naturally.

Homeowners have a few options when it comes to killing carpenter ants naturally. Here are some options that will help you get rid of them from your home using a variety of home remedies.

Use these non-toxic methods to kill carpenter ants naturally:

Cinammon

Essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, cedarwood, orange, tea tree, clove or lemon oil

white wine vinegar

baking powder and powdered sugar

boric acid

kieselguhr

Boiling water (for outdoor nests)

What are carpenter ants?

Of the 12,000 known species of ants, there is one in particular, the carpenter ant, which has the ability to destroy your home from the inside out. Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, you’ve already detected their presence and have plenty of time to eradicate them before any serious damage is done. Before you begin, however, remember that the carpenter ant will bite, so use caution when taking steps to remove them.

Since carpenter ants are some of the largest ants in the United States, you can tell them apart from other ant species by their size, which ranges from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch. Usually black, their coloration can vary between yellow, red, black, tan, or red and black. Their diet is similar to other ants, consisting of sweet foods and meat.

Because carpenter ants nest in damp wood, getting rid of them can be difficult. Carpenter ants get their name from the way they damage wood. Although they do not consume the wood like termites, they chew and excrete it to create pathways for their clan. The waste they leave behind is called “frass”. Carpenter ants are not as harmful to homes as termites, but given enough time they can develop mature colonies. Their queens can live up to 25 years, which means the colony is capable of causing significant damage to any wooden structure.

How do I get rid of carpenter ants?

location of the nest

Carpenter ants establish colonies by sending out scout ants to roam your home to find the best spots to stay. Once they find a good food source, workers will build nests in nearby walls. The first thing you need to do to get rid of carpenter ants is to make a bait that will help you find the nest. Nests can be located inside or outside your home, but if you find carpenter ants showing up in late winter or early spring, then they are most likely building nests inside your home. A little honey or jam can work, as the sweetness of the jam will attract an ant, allowing you to follow it as it takes it back to the nest. You can also look for frass (small piles of sawdust) and damaged wood on or inside doors, walls, closets, and wooden beams. Also check wood scraps or piles of wood for ant colonies.

Eliminate ant scent trails and repellent ants

Once you’ve found the nest, work on removing the ants’ scent trails. Because carpenter ants rely on pheromone trails to find food sources, effectively cleaning these trails will prevent the carpenter ants from ingesting the trails.

Use cinnamon

Carpenter ants hate cinnamon. The cinnamon blocks their scent trail, which they use to find food and return to the nest. It also acts as a natural repellent for the ants. They don’t like the strong smell. Cinnamon also makes your home smell nice and repels the carpenter ants. For more effective results, you can add some essential oil to the cinnamon powder to create busts with a stronger smell and keep the ants away.

Essential Oils

The second option is to add an essential oil such as lemongrass, peppermint, cedarwood, orange, tea tree, clove, or lemon oil to a carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) in a spray bottle and stir the mixture around to spray window sills. Skirting boards, countertops and door frames.

White vinegar to destroy carpenter ants

Does vinegar drive away carpenter ants?

A good way to get rid of antiserum is to mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water. Pour into a spray bottle with a mist setting. Spray directly on the path of the ants and their point of entry. You can also spray it on other potential entry points. The ants may want to try a different location to get into your home once you’ve sprayed their primary entry point. A stronger mixture or even using pure white vinegar may be more effective, but the vinegar smell will also be stronger.

exterminate carpenters

baking powder and powdered sugar

How does baking soda repel ants in the kitchen?

To kill carpenter ants, you can make a mixture of baking soda and powdered sugar as ant bait. Scatter this mixture near the spots that attract the highest ant traffic. The powdered sugar in the mixture naturally attracts the ants while the baking soda naturally kills the ants. You can also use a small bowl or lid to store the mixture. Just make sure you place it in the path of the carpenter ants or near the carpenter ant colony.

How to kill the carpenter ant nest

boric acid

After finding the nest you have to penetrate the wall to destroy it. It is recommended to drill 1/8 inch diameter holes every 6 inches in the suspect area. Once the holes are done, you can use a feather duster to “blow” boric acid through the holes and kill the ants. This treatment may need to be repeated several times to completely destroy the nest.

kieselguhr

Another natural way to kill carpenter ants is by using food grade diatomaceous earth. Food grade diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide made from crushed algae fossils. It is an abrasive material that can seriously damage ants’ exoskeletons, eventually killing them. If you decide to use food-grade diatomaceous earth to eliminate the carpenter ants, spread it in the problem areas and, if possible, directly on the colony’s nest.

Boiling water (outside the nests)

When the carpenter ant nest is outside, there is a natural method to attack the ant colony directly. With this method, you need to boil a few liters of water. Once the water has boiled, carefully pour it directly into the nest. Adding essential oils, soap, or a water-soluble insecticide can also help make the water more effective. Repeat the process a few times to ensure the colony is completely eliminated.

How do I stop carpenter ants from coming into my home?

You may be wondering how you can keep the ants away in the first place. The best way to control pests is always prevention.

Keep your home sealed and protected

Use a sealant like caulk to seal any cracks, crevices, and holes that could serve as potential entrances for carpenter ants. Weathered and cracked paint can have holes big enough to let carpenter ants into your home. Be sure to paint the outside of your home if necessary. Pay attention to areas such as foundations, basements, air conditioners, hose connections, plumbing, and dryer vents. These are areas where ants can often find a way into the house.

Keep your home clean

Also, be sure to dispose of the garbage regularly. Ants smell garbage and are always looking for food. Do your best to keep your home clean, especially the kitchen, countertops and floors. Carpenter ants have no incentive to enter your home without a food source present. Keep all food tightly sealed in closed containers and ensure areas where food is stored are free of crumbs and stickiness by wiping out all containers. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Keep the outside of your home clean and dirt-free

Remove all possible nesting sites from your yard. Areas such as dry brush, piles of wood, old wood or dry grass. Try trimming branches and branches to keep them out of your home. Be on the lookout for a sawdust-like substance on old wood around the house. This could be a sign of carpenter ants that have already established themselves in your yard. Try to locate the next one and use the boiling water method above to finish the nest.

Another way to deter carpenter ants from entering the home is to keep them from their tracks. Carpenter ants, like most ants, use pheromone trails to find food, navigate, and communicate with each other. By using essential oils like lemongrass and tea tree oil, the homeowner is able to disrupt these pheromone trails, thereby disorienting the ants and keeping them out of the home. After applying the essential oil to a cotton ball or kitchen towel, you can wipe away any possible entry points. Do this daily until the ant population disappears.

related questions

Do ants hate turmeric?

Turmeric has been used by many people to keep ants at bay. Ants trying to invade your home are deterred by the strong scent of turmeric. Not only does this solution act as a powerful repellent, but it also provides all natural and inexpensive results!

How do carpenter ants get into my house?

Carpenter ants are attracted to wet wood and moldy wood, which is why you may see them after you discover a water leak or moisture problem in your home. While they tend to chew through the wood, carpenter ants also have a way of finding tiny cracks or openings, even if that means using branches or pipes to climb their way up. Once indoors, they tend to set up camp near water sources such as sinks, bathroom counters, bathtubs, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

When is it time to call a professional to get rid of carpenter ants?

It can be a good idea to call a professional exterminator if the process of getting rid of them yourself sounds like more work than it’s worth. Let’s face it, even if you can get rid of the carpenter ant nest, there’s a good chance there are more carpenter ants somewhere in your home. Asking an ant exterminator to make sure the nest has been destroyed and checking for other possible nests would probably be your best bet to ensure they are completely eliminated. If you see carpenter ants but have not been able to locate the nest, you would benefit from calling a professional.

Vinegar

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Wipe down your countertops, cabinets, and any other spot you’ve spotted ants with a 50/50 white vinegar/water mixture. Repeat throughout the day to maintain effectiveness. Aside from repelling ants, vinegar has many surprising uses, including as an all-purpose cleaner.

Why this works: Ants hate the smell of vinegar, and vinegar can remove the scent trails they use to move. Watch the ants for a while and you will see that they all go in and out of your house the same way. Eliminating the scent trails of the ants will give you a serious advantage in battle.

Carissa B

If you are facing an ant invasion in your home and are looking for a way to get rid of them naturally with essential oils, you have come to the right place!

Finding ants in your home is something nobody looks forward to. As soon as you notice an ant invasion (even if only 5-10 ants have invaded) it is important to stop it immediately.

Luckily, it shouldn’t take long to worry if you catch it right away.

Once your home has been treated with this natural and non-toxic essential oil remedy, you’ll be keeping the ants away for a while!

Using essential oils as an ant repellent is an easy way to get rid of ants that you can feel comfortable with as there are no traps filled with toxic chemicals that can make your kids or pets sick.

Looking for more ways to harness the power of peppermint essential oil? Get thirteen more recipes and ideas for using peppermint essential oil every day!

Read it now: Thirteen Fantastic Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

What Essential Oils Are Good For Keeping Ants Away?

My favorite essential oil to keep ants away is peppermint!

I’ve had great luck with peppermint oil and have never seen ants cross a peppermint oil barrier.

Other popular essential oils for repelling ants include cinnamon, tea tree oil (aka melaleuca), and lemon.

Any of these oils are very strong and may strip paint or melt plastic if used directly, so patch test before use!

Will some scents keep ants away?

Beyond the power of essential oils, some people swear by ground black pepper, cinnamon, dried peppermint leaves, chili peppers, cloves, or cayenne pepper to effectively repel ants.

In fact, one pest control company believes in mint so much that it is suggesting customers plant mint around the perimeters of their homes to repel ants.

With nearly 1000 species of ants living in North America, what repels one species of ant may not work to repel others. You may need to try several natural ant repellents before finding one that works on the type of ants you have.

Are Essential Oils Good for Killing Ants?

Anything as powerful as an essential oil applied to something as small as an ant is sure to kill it.

Essential oils for ants are usually used as a repellent instead of a killer.

Get my recipes for natural essential oil based ant repellents below.

How to get rid of ants naturally with peppermint oil

Accessories for making essential oils to repel ants

How to use peppermint essential oil to get rid of ants

How to get rid of ants naturally STEP 1: Identify why ants come into the house

How to get rid of ants naturally STEP 2: Remove all leftover food

How to get rid of ants naturally STEP 3: Wipe off

How to get rid of ants naturally STEP 4: Defense

That’s it!

Where to buy peppermint essential oil?

The most common place I buy essential oils is from Rocky Mountain Oils (RMO). They carry both regular peppermint oil and organic peppermint oil, and they always have free shipping with no minimums.

You can also buy peppermint essential oil from several quality companies on Amazon:

To press

With picture Without picture How to make a natural ant repellent with essential oils Result: 1 application

Author: Carissa Bonham Estimated Cost: $10 Prep Time: 5M Complete Time: 5M Total Time: 10M If you’re dealing with ants in your home, get rid of them with this natural essential oil ant repellent. I will teach you how to use essential oil to get rid of ants in your home with the power of peppermint. Materials: Peppermint Essential Oil

cotton balls

Surface Cleaner Spray Steps: Try to figure out why ants come into your home. Are they attracted to crumbs in a certain area? Do you eat dog food? Did you hide a candy bar under her bed? When you find out what attracts the ants, clean it up! Use the vacuum and duster to pick up as many traces as possible of what attracts them. Once you’ve removed as many crumbs as possible, wipe down any hard surfaces they walked on with a non-toxic spray cleaner and a rag. This will help disrupt their navigational senses and remove any extra traces of sugar or food. Do a patch test by placing a drop or two of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and wiping over a small area. Peppermint oil can sometimes stain surfaces or interact poorly with some types of paint, which is why you should do a patch test first. If you don’t see any problems with a patch test, put more peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and wipe it over any areas the ants have walked on, like a few days, to see if the ants are coming back or not they find a way to sneak around the peppermint oil. If so, treat the new area they are entering. Recommended Products: Organic Peppermint Oil Meliora Spray Cleaner Peppermint Oil https://www.creativegreenliving.com/2015/10/best-natural-non-toxic-way-to-get-rid-of-ants.html Copyright 2015, Creative Green Living natural ant repellent, ant essential oils, peppermint essential oil, peppermint oil for ants Created with Craft Card Maker

Maybe they came in to escape the rain. Maybe your kids left their Halloween candy behind the couch. Maybe your 5-year-old ate a cupcake in the door and the ants come in to eat the crumbs. Watch the ants for a minute to see if they lead you to a food source. Vacuum well to remove any crumbs or plant matter that the ants may be attracted to. Mop to pick up any marks left by your vacuum. Meanwhile, you can suck up any ants you find. Wipe down any hard surfaces you’ve seen ants on – window frames, door frames, outlet covers, etc. with a damp surface cleaner and a rag. Some of my favorite non-toxic cleaners that really work are: BioKleen All Purpose Cleaner and Meliora All Purpose Surface Cleaner. Plus, your home smells great! To treat a surface with peppermint oil, place a few drops of undiluted peppermint oil on a cotton ball or the corner of a rag. Wipe down any entry points where you suspect ants are entering, such as: B. doorsteps, along baseboards, around wall outlets, ventilation slots, etc. is required to cover larger surfaces. Because peppermint oil is so strong, it can strip paint or otherwise damage your surfaces. If you are unsure how Peppermint Oil will react with your surface, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first Treating a Large Area.

Insect bombs will kill ants you see but won’t eliminate your ant problem.

Ants can be an annoying and ongoing problem in homes. It’s tempting to look for a quick fix to get rid of them. Bug bomb sprays, also known as insect nebulizers, seem to be that solution on the surface. But that’s all they do: kill ants on the surface. To understand why, you need to know more about what bug bombs are, how they work, and what needs to be done to get rid of ants permanently.

advertisement

video of the day

About bug bombs

Insect bombs are aerosol pesticides, usually pyrethrins or pyrethroids, designed to spray pesticides outward once the tab is pressed. They are slightly different than regular bug sprays in that the spray stays in the air longer. Most of the spray falls on the surface of your walls, floors, furniture and counters. According to University of Kentucky entomologist Michael Potter, very little of the spray penetrates the cracks and cavities where ants live.

advertisement

Effects on Inside Ants

Any ants that come into contact with the bug spray while it is wet will be killed. They will not carry the insecticide back to the nest like they would with ant baits. Interior ant nests are unlikely to be killed as they are too deep into the walls for the insect bomb to reach. Since insect bombs also have a repellent effect, most ants penetrate deeper into the walls and escape the spray.

advertisement

Effects on outside ants

Most ants build their nests outside and only venture into houses to find food or water. The ants that venture inside are called worker ants. Killing worker ants has little long-term effect on the colony. According to University of Nebraska instructor Barb Ogg, you can kill almost all of the worker ants and the colony will still be able to rebuild. The error bomb will work as a short-term fix, but the underlying problem is still there and will reappear.

advertisement

impact on you

Bug bomb sprays can cause serious health problems, especially if not used as directed. According to Michael Potter, people with respiratory conditions like asthma can have a strong reaction to pyrethrins. People often return indoors too soon after using foggers, or use too many and end up inhaling the pesticide. This can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, dizziness, vomiting and irritation of the nose and throat. People have also been known to enter buildings unaware that insect bombs are being used and be affected by the toxins.

We include products that we believe will be useful to our readers. If you make a purchase through links on this site, we may receive a small commission. Here is our process.

Where one ant is seen, there are likely thousands more nearby. This knowledge may not bother you so much on a picnic in the great outdoors, but when you have an ant infestation in your home, you want to fix the problem quickly.

But ants can carry bacteria, making them potential carriers of disease or infection. For example, a 2019 small animal study showed that Monomorium ants can transmit pathogenic bacteria that can be dangerous to humans. An older study from 2005 shared that the pharaoh ant, a species of monomorium ant, could be a cause of bronchial asthma and respiratory allergies.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are more than 12,000 species of ants worldwide. The vast majority of these ants are harmless to humans.

There are many ways to get rid of ants and their colonies in the home. While professional exterminators may be required in some cases, some natural solutions can eliminate the problem without adding chemicals or toxins to your environment.

Here are some of the best ways to kill and repel ants naturally using ingredients you can find at home or at a local store.

1. Diatomaceous Earth (Silicon Dioxide)

Diatomaceous earth is a silica made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms (a species of plankton).

Diatomaceous earth is not poison. It kills ants and other insects by absorbing the oils in their skeletons, which dehydrate them. However, since it is an irritant, avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth or getting it on your skin.

You can buy food grade diatomaceous earth online. To use it to kill ants, follow package directions or sprinkle the powder wherever you see ants.

2. Glass cleaner and liquid detergent

Ants leave a scented pheromone trail as they walk, which serves as a map. This method can remove the smell and keep the ants from entering your home again.

That’s how it’s done:

Mix glass cleaning spray with liquid detergent (dish soap) in a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture on areas where ants are coming in or congregating. After spraying, wipe the area leaving a light residue. Repeat the above steps as many times as needed.

Note: If you don’t have available glass cleaner, using soapy water of any kind (e.g. hand soap, dish soap) will likely remove the ant pheromones smell.

3. Ground black or red pepper

Black or red (cayenne) pepper is a natural deterrent to ants, as the insects seem to find the smell bothersome.

To use this method, sprinkle pepper around baseboards and behind appliances. Anecdotal evidence suggests this is a surefire way to keep ants at bay.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural insect repellent that can effectively deter ants and other insects like mosquitoes.

To use peppermint essential oil as an ant repellent, follow these steps:

Mix 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water in a clean plastic spray bottle. Spray the mixture around the baseboards and windows of your home. Allow the mixture to dry and repeat the process as needed.

As with most essential oils, keep peppermint oil out of the reach of pets, especially cats, which can become very ill on contact.

You may be able to find peppermint essential oil at your local grocery chain or health food store.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Like peppermint oil, tea tree oil can be an effective means of deterring ants. Follow the steps below to use this method:

Mix 5 to 10 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water in a clean plastic spray bottle.

Spray the mixture around the house where you usually see ants. Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in the mixture and spread it around your home.

Note: If the scent is too strong, try a mixture of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and water.

Like most essential oils, keep tea tree oil out of the reach of pets.

You can buy tea tree oil at your local grocery store, health food store, or online.

6. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree is another natural insect repellent. It contains citronella, which is used in candles to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may also be effective in repelling ants.

To use it, follow the steps below:

Saturate cotton balls with the undiluted Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil. Place the cotton balls in areas where you usually see ants in the house. Replace the cotton balls weekly with freshly soaked cotton balls.

Note: Do not ingest lemon eucalyptus oil. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

You can likely find lemon eucalyptus oil at your local health food store. It is also available online.

7. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (OLE)

Despite their similar names, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (OLE) differs from Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil. OLE comes from the gum eucalyptus tree, native to Australia. It contains a chemical called p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), which is an effective insect repellent.

PMD is classified as a biopesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is considered safe to use.

You can find OLE at your local hardware or garden store, or online.

8. White Vinegar

White vinegar, available at all grocery stores, is a cheap and effective way to kill and repel ants. It is also a natural cleanser.

Try using a 1 to 1 vinegar/water mixture to clean hard surfaces, including floors and countertops, anywhere ants are likely to travel. If you see ants, spray the mixture on them or wipe them off with a paper towel.

Ants can smell the vinegar after it dries, but the scent doesn’t linger on most people for long.

9. Boiling water

If you notice ant holes near your house, pour boiling water into them. This method will kill many of the ants inside effectively and instantly. Anthills may appear small, but the ant colonies underneath are huge.

The boiling water will not be enough to kill the entire colony. So be sure to treat every ant hole you see around your home.

10. Cornstarch

Cornstarch, available at grocery stores, can be an effective way to smother many ants at once.

There are two different ways to use cornstarch to kill ants:

The first method is to generously pour cornstarch over the entire group of ants and pour water over them. The result is lots of dead ants coated in cornstarch that you can then clean up. The second method is to cover the ants in cornstarch and then vacuum them up, making sure to immediately discard the sealed vacuum bag outdoors.

11. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

A 2005 study found that compounds in cinnamon leaf essential oil, including trans-cinnamaldehyde, may be effective in killing and repelling ants, including biting red ants.

Soak cotton balls in the undiluted cinnamon leaf essential oil. Place the cotton balls in places where you usually see ants in the house. Replace the cotton balls weekly with freshly soaked cotton balls.

Health food stores often carry cinnamon leaf essential oil. You can also find it online.

12. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a naturally occurring insecticide extracted from the neem tree native to India.

Gardeners recommend using neem oil around plants, especially where you see aphids or ants. Ants breed aphids (small sap-sucking insects), so poisoning the aphids with neem oil can control both types of pests.

Diluted neem and products containing neem extract have been reported to not work nearly as well as whole neem oil.

You can find neem oil at many health food stores or online.

13. Coffee grounds

Brewed coffee grounds have been found to distract ants. Try sprinkling the freshly brewed coffee grounds on disposable surfaces (e.g. index cards) and leaving them in areas where ants congregate, e.g. B. in feeding bowls.

You can also put the floor on windowsills. Soil can lose its effectiveness when it’s dry, so make sure you change it often.

14. Boric acid

Boric acid is a type of toxin that can kill certain species of worker ants and their queen within 3 weeks of exposure, according to an older 2003 animal study. It does this by eroding the ant’s outer coverings and stomachs.

It is important to keep boric acid away from pets and children as it can be dangerous.

To use boric acid, do the following:

put on protective gloves. Make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon boric acid, 8 teaspoons sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Stir until the sugar and boric acid have dissolved. Soak cotton balls and place them around your home in places where you usually see ants. Wash or discard container thoroughly after use.

Note: You can also use boric acid as an ingredient in DIY ant traps. Mix the powder with something sweet that attracts ants, like maple syrup or corn syrup. Spread out on a flat, disposable surface like cardboard and place in spots where you see ants.

You can find boric acid at your local hardware or garden store, or online.

15. Borax (Sodium Tetraborate)

Despite their similar-sounding names, borax and boric acid are not the same chemical compound. Both can be equally effective in killing ants in the home.

It is imperative to keep borax away from pets and children as it can be harmful.

To use borax, follow these steps:

put on protective gloves. Make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon borax, 8 teaspoons sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Stir until sugar and borax are dissolved. Soak cotton balls and place them around your home in places where you often see ants. Wash or discard container thoroughly after use.

You can find borax at your local home improvement or gardening store, or online.

16. Lemons

You can spray or wipe lemon juice to distract ants by removing pheromone traces and masking the smell of food.

Additionally, keeping lemon peels in your cupboard can deter ants from settling in your kitchen.

17. Check your houseplants

Check your houseplants for swarms of ants, which could indicate nests underground. Discard any plants that appear to be infected.

To deter ants from settling in your plants, surround the soil with citrus peels from lemons or oranges.

18. Keep nature outside

Keep your garden free of dirt. Cut off any vines or plants that are touching or leaning against your home’s exterior walls and windows, which may make it easier for ants to enter your home.

19. Cut off food sources

Ants are attracted to sweet and starchy foods like sugar, honey, and cornmeal. Therefore, one of the best ways to deter ants is to ensure that no food sources are readily available to them.

Store food in containers or plastic bags, tightly closed. Wash all plates and cooking utensils immediately after eating.

Every day, remove crumbs from your house with a broom or vacuum. Places where crumbs can accumulate include:

under and around appliances in your kitchen

in couch cushions

in garbage cans

Areas of the home where your family eats or prepares food

Pet food can also attract ants. Remove the food bowls as soon as your pet has finished eating. Clean the bowls immediately to eliminate the smell of the food.

20. Eliminate ant entrances

By figuring out how ants get into your home, you can eliminate one ant infestation and prevent another one.

Check your house for cracks in the walls and holes near floorboards and radiators. You can seal cracks or treat with ant repellent. Also look for cracks in window screens that need repairing.

How to stop kitchen ants

The kitchen, which offers proximity to a plentiful supply of food, is often the place most likely to attract ants and other pests. To keep ants from staying in the kitchen: