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Typically, people encounter common ant problems in their kitchen. Even if you’re super clean, ants can sometimes find a way to your kitchen counters, particularly in the summer months. While most people expect to experience occasional ant problems inside of their home, it can be especially alarming when you notice ants going in, out, and around your home. Upon seeing this, you might begin to worry about the structural integrity of your house. After all, no one wants carpenter ants nesting in their siding.

Carpenter Ants Vs Regular Ants

First off, not all ant problems are carpenter ant problems. This is a good thing! So, when you notice ants around your home, do not jump to conclusions that they are destroying the bones of your abode. Noticing ants in high volume, however, could mean there is a nest of them nearby. If you begin noticing an influx of winged ants by your home, consider this a strong warning there is a serious ant problem taking place. If you’re concerned about carpenter ants, look around the perimeter of your home for wood shavings. Carpenter ants, unlike termites, do not actually eat wood. They do burrow into the wood to make their nests, though, which leaves behind telltale shavings.

How To Prevent Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants love to make their homes in decaying wood. Since decaying wood is often wet, they seek out structures that are damp. If your deck often stays wet for a time after a rainstorm, it is a prime target for carpenter ants. Some other areas they target are eaves, underneath windows, siding, and porches. Keep an eye on these areas throughout the spring and summer, especially if you notice ants around your home. The areas listed above are also portions of your home that often experience leaks, so watch out for those too. Managing leaks, emptying your gutter, and having your siding repaired when it cracks or breaks can prevent an ant infestation.

How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants in Siding

If you’re trying to rid yourself of a carpenter ant infestation, the solution is to give them a poor environment to nest in. Do this by keeping your home as dry as possible, both indoors and outdoors. Check to see if water is properly draining from your deck or porch. Examine gutters for leaks, in addition to making sure your windows are properly installed and free of leaks as well. There are a variety of carpenter ant control products that are effective. Here are four ways to get rid of carpenter ants:

1. Ant Bait: Indoors you should use an ant poison bait around cracks and crevices and anywhere you notice carpenter ants. A duster can make application easier. Ant bait can also work outdoors around any cracks in your siding.
2. Aerosol Foam: There are a few foam pest control products that are effective in poisoning and sealing areas around the home. If you notice ants around your baseboard or in your siding this can be effective.
3. Insecticidal Dust: Similar to ant bait, insecticidal dust can be sprayed into areas around laundry and kitchen appliances where you may notice ants.
4. Outdoor Insecticides: There are also a few non-repellent insecticides that are beneficial for outdoor areas. It is recommended that you work with local pest control and have the perimeter of your home professionally sprayed down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

What Is the difference between Carpenter Ants & Regular Ants?

There are a few key differences between carpenter ants and regular ants. Carpenter ants are usually larger than regular ants and are consistently found around the wooden elements of your home like siding, decking, window sills, and flooring. Click here for more information.

How Do You Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

There are a variety of ways to get rid of carpenter ants. We recommend using ant bait, outdoor insecticides, and aerosol foams to plug up and cracks or holes around your building.

Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Your Home? 

Carpenter ants regularly nest in damp wood areas. They hollow out wood which can lead to structural issues. They are often found in window sills, decking, porches, wooden siding, and doorways. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but simply nest in the wood. Similar to regular ants, carpenter ants make intricate nests with multiple complex tunnels which can greatly impact your home.

Contact Absolut Pest Control

If you still find yourself with a persistent ant problem, call the professionals here at Absolut Pest Control! You can reach us at 978-388-4589, or by filling out our online contact form.