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Carpenter Ant Control
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Carpenter
ant nests in buildings should be treated to limit
potential damage -
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Summary:
Carpenter ants that nest in structures can be
controlled by creating an insecticide barrier
around the building that ants must cross in order to
forage for food and water outside. This barrier can
be placed inside exterior walls and/or on the
exterior foundation (perimeter). It is not necessary
to locate the colony or colonies inside the
structure itself.
Jack
DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext.
Entomologist (ret.)
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The standard treatment to
control carpenter ants was
to apply insecticide into exterior wall voids,
completely around the structure, thereby creating
a barrier that worker ants must cross to forage
outside for food. Wall
void
treatments generally require
drilling into these spaces and may be beyond the
ability of most homeowners. However, wall
void treatments may not be necessary if
perimeter sprays and baits are used instead.
Perimeter sprays are used alone
or in conjunction with wall void treatments for added
protection. Typically, a perimeter treatment involves
spraying an insecticide such as Termidor
Insecticide around the base of the structure
where the siding overlaps the foundation (see photo
right).
The third, and newest tool, is carpenter
ant bait. These special baits are designed for
carpenter ants and may be used around the base of the
structure or even indoors.
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House foundation (grey), siding
(white), and foundation vent (black). "Perimeter"
sprays should be applied where the
siding overlaps the foundation, under the lip
of the siding and completely around the house.
Photo by JD DeAngelis.
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There is no need for periodic maintenance
treatments, often recommended by pest control
companies, nor is it necessary to locate individual
carpenter ant nests. Treat only when ant
activity is detected during regular
inspections.
Treating carpenter ants
(1) Inspect exterior
of structure at least once each year
during warm months, morning or evening. Look for
large ants moving into or out of the
structure, often in more or less single file
lines.
(2) Remove all
vegetation in contact with structure, leave
at least a 12" gap
between plantings and structure. This
ensures that you will be able to see ants that are
moving into or away from the structure. Ants will
also use vegetation to "bridge over" the
perimeter treatment (see
below).
Be sure to also check for overhanging
branches in contact with the
structure, and remove as
necessary.
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(3)
Treat the foundation
perimeter (perimeter treatment), about where the
house siding overlaps the foundation, with an
insecticide registered for this application. Termidor
Insecticide is currently labelled for this use.
You can do this treatment yourself or have a
pest control company do this step.
(4)
Apply
new Carpenter Ant
Baits around the foundation.
Carpenter Ant Baits and
Insecticides are Available Here
(DoMyOwnPestControl.com)
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and
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using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD,
 , email:
[email protected]
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