How to Kill Carpenter Ants
If you see an ant in your home, don’t run for the spray -- you will need a more thorough elimination process to say goodbye to these pesky little creatures.
Up next in Insects, Rodents, & Other Pesky Creatures (39 videos)
Got a home infestation on your hands? Before you call the exterminator, try these solutions to rid yourself of insects, rodents, and more.
You Will Need
- Drione or PyGanic Dust
- Hand duster
- Cypermethrin or deltamethrin
- Pump sprayer
- Carpenter ant granules
- Carpenter ant gel
- Drill with 3/16" bit (optional)
- Pump sprayer (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Find the nest
Find the carpenter ant nest. Look for wood shavings or ants foraging.
-
Step 2
Apply dust
Apply Drione or PyGanic Dust to this area with a hand duster.
-
Use a drill with a 3/16-inch bit to drill a hole into hidden or enclosed areas.
-
Step 3
Remove all covers and dust
Remove all covers for electrical or plumbing systems and dust into the walls in these areas.
-
Step 4
Spray the perimeter of the home
Spray the perimeter of your home every 4 to 8 weeks with cypermethrin or deltamethrin. Cover the foundation, 2 to 3 feet up, and the ground, 4 feet wide.
-
Use a pump sprayer to apply the spray.
-
Step 5
Bait the yard
Bait the yard a few times a year with carpenter ant granules.
-
Step 6
Bait your home
Apply carpenter ant gel any place in the home that you see ants.
-
Step 7
Clean up
Do not leave food lying around the house. Ants will be attracted to the deadly gel if there isn’t any other food for them to eat.
-
Carpenter ants come in many colors: black, yellow, red, and brown.
