DIY: How to Deal with Carpenter Ants

DIY: How to Deal with Carpenter Ants

Pest infestations can be very unpleasant, especially when the little intruders are coming directly into your home. The carpenter ants are only part of the different insects which could endanger the safety of your home and your family. The moment you notice even one of them in your home, you have to take measures immediately. It is important not to underestimate the carpenter ants because they could damage seriously the wood objects and parts of you home. It could be a real challenge to get rid of those large insects, mainly because simple things like spraying, for instance, are not very effective. There is no need to panic, though, because there is an easy solution to this problem.

Before you go to the shop to buy different kinds of expensive and toxic sprays and other products, better try to find a safer alternative. If you read the label of those products, you will see that they contain a lot of strong chemicals which can be extremely dangerous for your health. Another important thing you have to know is that the spraying will probably only kill part of the intruders, while the other ones will move the nest to another place. Those ants usually create one main nest and many other satellite nests, which makes the extermination harder.

• Locating and removing of the main nest – The first thing you have to do is to find the location of the main nest with the queen. This may take a while, but the sooner you manage to do it the better. The carpenter ants usually prefer to settle in walls, walkways and near garage doors. You can also follow the insects when you see them and they will lead you to their nest. Once you find the main nest, vacuum as many intruders as possible and then get rid of both the nest and the vacuum bag. Do the same with the satellite nests as well.

• Fixing of the damaged areas – The next things you have to do is to fix the damages caused by the carpenter ants. When they find a place they like, they start cutting galleries into the wood in order to make a nest. That’s why you will probably see a lot of shredded wood when you are removing the nests. Inspect the damaged areas carefully and fix whatever you can.

• Applying of a special homemade repellent – It is important to apply a product which will prevent any future infestations. It is not necessary to buy an expensive repellent, when you can make one yourself. For the purpose you only need Boric acid. You can put a little of the product in a bottle or something else and spray the dangerous areas. For big flat areas, you can mix together one tablespoon of Boric acid, a teaspoon of sugar and water. This way you can create a barrier around you home, which will stop the carpenter ants from coming again.

When you are done with the extermination the little intruders, it is a good idea to clean a little. The vacuum cleaner will help you erase all traces of the infestation and you can also use white vinegar and water for the cleaning of some of the areas in your property. You have to remember, though, that like all other insects the carpenter ants are also very persistent. That is why it is important to have Boric acid in your home all the time. This product is not expensive at all but it can be just as effective as the store-bought repellents. There is always a possibility of another infestation, so it is best to be prepared.

The article is presented by DomesticCleaners Putney