Carpenter ants in most cases black in colour but can vary to a more reddish-maroon or a combination of these colours altogether. Some of the worker ants have wings and lead people into believing that they are dealing with termites. Winged carpenter ants have two pairs of wings. The rear ones are smaller than the front pair. Termites, on the other hand, have equal-sized wings. Another visual clue is that carpenter ants have slender waist and bent antennae while termite has broad waist and straight antennae.
How do carpenter ants get into your home?
Carpenter ants typically use unsealed openings around wires and utility pipes to gain entry to your home, as well as using overhanging tree branches as a link to your roof.
Do you need an exterminator for carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are especially difficult to get rid of once they’ve established a colony deep inside a wooden structure. For that reason, it’s advised that you use a professional exterminator to remove these carpenter ants. An experienced exterminator will have the necessary equipment and expertise to tackle these problem pests far more effectively than most DIY methods can.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is another staple in the kitchen and is accessible to buy in any grocery store. The acidity of the smell keeps Carpenter Ants away. Add water and vinegar of equal amounts in a spray bottle and spray it around. To make it extra potent, you can add essential oils since Carpenter Ants really do not like it.
Liquid Dish Soap
This method has to be the easiest and most convenient to use since it is a product that most people have in their kitchens. What you simply need to do is mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of dish soap and two tablespoons of baking soda and spray the ants until they are drenched in the solution.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is proven to be one of the most successful home remedies against all kinds of ants in general, but it is especially effective against Carpenter Ants. How boric acid works is by mixing grains of sugar with the boric acid and sprinkling it around the house. The most effective places to place boric acid are where ants are likely to be. In cabinets, in the kitchen, under the fridge, and in drawers.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is easily purchasable at a garden supply store, but there is a catch. In order to use it effectively, you have to inject it into the nest and therefore have to find the nest.
Cinnamon
Surprisingly, this fragrant spice is very disliked by Carpenter Ants. Keeping Cinnamon around your home makes sure that Carpenter Ants stay away.
The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is to hire licensed and insured professionals that have access to professional tools and commercial-grade pesticides in all different forms to combat carpenter ant infestation in whatever place they find themselves. Our professionals at Ant Control Toronto conduct thorough interior infections to determine the highest place of activity. Call 647-933-5346