Carpenter ants are a serious problem in homes. They can cause damage to your home, and they’re also known as carpenter bees.
If you want to get rid of them quickly, you should consider using natural methods first before resorting to chemicals.
This article will give you 10 tips on how to get rid of carpenter ants naturally so that they don’t come back again!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Eliminating carpenter ants is important to prevent structural damage to your home. |
| There are both natural and chemical methods to get rid of carpenter ants. |
| It is important to locate and eliminate the carpenter ant nest. |
| Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can help prevent carpenter ant infestations. |
| Professional pest control services may be necessary for extensive infestations. |
1. Orange Oil (Citrus Limon)
Orange oil (Citrus limon) is an effective natural repellent that you can use to keep ants away from your home.
- Put a few drops of citrus oil on your hand and rub it into the ant’s body to repel them. You can also spray orange oil in a spray bottle, then apply the mixture directly to the ants or at their trails.
- Use orange oil before cleaning your house with soap or other chemicals to remove any lingering smells that might attract more pests.
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2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are a type of hard-shelled algae.
This natural insecticide works by dehydrating insects, causing their exoskeletons to crack and fall off. That said, it will not kill them outright; often they will die from dehydration after crawling through it for hours.
Diatomaceous earth has been used as an insecticide since at least the 1800s and has been shown to be effective against carpenter ants in particular.
It’s also safe for pets and kids (although you should exercise caution when using this method around your kids), making it a good choice if you want an all-natural way to get rid of carpenter ants without having to resort to harsh chemicals or pesticides!
3. Borax
Borax is a white powder that you can buy at the grocery store. It’s used to kill ants, but it’s also found in many products, including cosmetics and detergents. Borax is made from sodium borate, which comes from nature.
Borax kills ants by inhibiting their digestive system and causing them to die of dehydration. Because borax is so lethal to insects and other pests, it should never be applied directly to plants or animals; instead use an appropriate method for distributing it around your home without harming pets or people (see below).
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4. Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon sticks are a natural insect repellent and flea repellent, so they’re a great choice for getting rid of ants. To use cinnamon sticks to get rid of ants:
Find some large cinnamon sticks that are at least 4 inches long (the bigger the better). You can often find these in bulk options at health food stores or online retailers like Amazon.
Break up your cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces and place them in a jar with some water in it; you want enough liquid just to cover all of your cinnamon pieces, but not much more than that (you don’t want mold growing on them).
Let this sit overnight so that all of the oils from the cinnamon can soak into the water and become infused with it (this is why you need large pieces).
5. White Vinegar And Water Solution
To make this mixture, pour 1 part white vinegar into a spray bottle and then add 4 parts water. Spray the ants and their trails with it, leaving the solution on for several minutes before wiping it off. Repeat this process as needed to kill carpenter ants naturally.
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6. Liquid Soap And Water Solution
If you’re interested in keeping a natural approach to pest control, try mixing a solution of liquid soap and water.
Soap is a natural insecticide, meaning it can be used to kill the ants as well as their eggs, larvae and pupae. This is an especially helpful option if you have pets or children who may be exposed to the spray directly.
| Solutions | Ratios |
|---|---|
| Liquid soap | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 1 gallon |
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural pesticide that can be used to get rid of carpenter ants. Sprinkle baking soda around the area where you’ve spotted carpenter ants, and they will ingest it while searching for food.
They’ll continue to eat this substance until they die of poisoning. If you have pets or children, however, keep them away from the area being treated with baking soda because it can be harmful if ingested by either party.
You can also use boric acid as an alternative to baking soda—it is also effective at killing carpenter ants in one-to-three days
The use of chemicals can be harmful and sometimes ineffective when dealing with ants. Fortunately, there are natural approaches that can help you get rid of ants. Check out our guide on how to get rid of ants naturally to learn about eco-friendly and natural ways to eliminate ants from your house.
8. Plant Repellent Plants
Planting repellent plants around your home is a great way to keep ants away. The most effective plants are those that naturally have strong scents, like mint, rosemary, lavender and citronella grass.
These plants help deter ants from coming near your house by repelling them with their strong-smelling oils.
To ensure these plants work as effectively as possible at keeping pests away from where you live, be sure to place them close enough so that the scent floods into the area of concern but not so close that it interferes with any other area of your home or yard.
If you want to take things up a notch and prevent mosquitoes from swarming around your property too (ant hills can attract mosquitoes), try planting marigolds around any ant hills on your lawns or near doors and windows through which they may enter into the house itself.”
9. Lavender Essential Oil
You can pick up lavender essential oil at most grocery stores or online. It’s highly effective against carpenter ants and other household pests, and it’s safe to use around pets and children.
If you have a problem with carpenter ants, fill a spray bottle with water and add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well before each use!
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10. Keep Your House Clean
Carpenter ants are attracted to food sources, so keeping your kitchen and pantry free of spills and crumbs will help prevent them from coming inside.
Removing dead insects, animals and waste also helps prevent infestations as these items can attract carpenter ants to an area.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get rid of these pesky ants. The most important thing is that you don’t panic and know what to do when an ant invasion occurs.
Carpenter ants have been around for thousands of years, so we are not going anywhere anytime soon!
Further Reading:
Masterclass’s article on getting rid of carpenter ants: This resource provides an in-depth guide on how to get rid of carpenter ants, along with valuable information on these insects’ life cycle, habitat, and habits.
CedarCide’s 10 natural tips to get rid of carpenter ants: If you prefer to use natural solutions, this guide shares 10 effective tips to get rid of carpenter ants using natural methods and materials.
Country Living’s guide for eliminating carpenter ants: This guide is a comprehensive source of information on carpenter ants, including practical tips and expert advice on how to deal with a carpenter ant infestation.
FAQs:
What are carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects that can cause significant damage to wooden structures and furniture. They are large, black, or reddish-brown ants that live in colonies and are often found in homes, especially in damp or moist areas.
What are the signs of a carpenter ant infestation?
The signs of a carpenter ant infestation include the presence of large, winged ants, piles of sawdust or wood shavings, rustling sounds coming from inside walls, and damaged wooden structures.
What causes carpenter ants to infest homes?
Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture and dampness, which makes homes with water damage, leaks, or high humidity levels more susceptible to infestations. They can enter homes through tiny cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors.
Can carpenter ants cause structural damage to a home?
Yes, carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage to wooden structures and furniture. They burrow through the wood, creating tunnels and galleries, and weaken the structure over time. If left untreated, a carpenter ant infestation can cause serious and costly damage to a home.
What is the best way to get rid of carpenter ants?
The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is to locate and eliminate the nest using chemical or non-chemical methods. It is also important to eliminate sources of moisture and repair any damages to the home’s infrastructure. If you are unsure how to proceed, contact a professional pest control company.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
