Avoid using an insecticidal spray that immediately kills carpenter ants since the rest of the colony won’t be affected by it and it can cause them to spread out to build more nests. Bait traps are your best bet if you can’t easily find where the ants are nesting or if you don’t want to use chemical insecticides. If you have kids or pets, place the traps where they’re unable to access them since they contain mild poisons.

The ants are attracted to the sugar, but the boric acid penetrates their bodies and kills them. Boric acid is low toxicity, so it’s safe to use around pets and children.

For a non-toxic option, apply diatomaceous earth to kill carpenter ants instead. After you’re finished applying the dust, seal the holes with a dowel or small piece of cork and paint over it to hide your repairs.

Pesticidal sprays are toxic, so avoid letting pets or children in areas that you just treated.

If you spill something sweet like juice or soda, rinse off the area with water or use another cleaner since ants are especially attracted to the sugar.

The vinegar’s strong odor will temporarily cover up the scent the ants follow so they can’t follow the trail.

Install a screen door and window screens as an additional layer of protection from ants.

If you have firewood outside, keep it away from your home and only bring it inside right before you burn it.

Check your home’s exterior for leaks in your roof or clogged gutters that need repairs as well. Carpenter ants make their nests in damp wood since it’s easier for them to chew through. [12] X Expert Source Scott McCombePest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.

Most carpenter ants are wingless, but some worker ants may have 2 sets of wings. The front set of wings will appear longer than the back set. If the insects you see are brown or tan, have straight antennae, or have 2 sets of wings that are the same length, then you may have found termites. Get rid of termites right away since they can cause even more damage to your home.

Look for areas where the wood might get slightly damp, such as in your bathroom or underneath sinks, since ants like to build their nests in moist wood.

Check walls near windows and doors since they’re easy entry points for carpenter ants.

Most times, you’ll probably see them crawl into a space in the wall, a cabinet, or a door.