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Carpenter Ant FAQs and Tips

Carpenter Ant Evidence & Tips for Treatment

  1. How long have you noticed the problem?

    A long history of activity indicates a colony located in the structure. In northern regions, activity indoors during colder weather is strong evidence that a colony is located in the structure.

  2. How many Ants do you see?

    Seeing many Ants frequently indicates an indoor colony. If you see them only occasionally, they may be random foragers coming in from the outside.

  3. Where are Carpenter Ants seen most often?

    This will provide a clue to where Carpenter Ants are foraging and nesting.

  4. Have you seen any small piles that look like sawdust?

    Frass piles are usually located close to nest sites.

  5. Have you had any water leaks or noticed any rotting wood? If so where?

    Carpenter Ants often nest in moist environments like damp or rotting wood. You should inspect these areas first.

  6. Conduct inspections in the evening or early morning.

    Carpenter Ants are more active at night, so you're more likely to observe foraging activity and find the nest.

  7. Inspect "lines".

    Foraging Ants like to travel on fence lines, phone lines, roof lines, railings, as well as driveway and sidewalk borders and edges.

  8. Knock on wood near suspected nest sites.

    Look and listen for activity. Carpenter Ants sound like crinkling cellophane.

  9. Check frass piles for materials such as wood, insulating, plastic, etc.

    Frass material will help indicate specific nest locations.

  10. Look for plastic vapor barriers under mulch beds.

    Ants trail or nest under the plastic film.

  11. Follow foraging Ants carrying the food particles.

    They're heading back to the nest. Place food on the Ant trail, then follow them back to their nests.

  12. Be mindful of weather conditions during the inspections.

    Carpenter Ants rarely forage if temperatures are below 55°F.

  13. Inspect trees and deadwood.

    Carpenter Ants tend to nest in tree holes and dead wood on the ground.

  14. Inspect outdoor plants for Aphids.

    Carpenter Ants like to feed on honeydew.

  15. Look for tree branches, shrubs, and vines growing against buildings.

    Branches and vines provide easy access.

We carry a special kit (DIY Complete Carpenter Ant Kit) with Taurus SC, plus two ant baits:
Maxforce Fleet Ant Bait Gel, a sweet-based bait, and Advance 375 A Ant Bait to provide for the Ant's protein-based dietary needs.

  • DIY Complete Carpenter Ant Kit made up of Taurus SC and Carpenter Ant Baits at a reduced cost.

  • More Ant Bait Kits

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Written by our resident pest control expert Ken Martin.

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