Carpenter ants are a common problem in the Metro Vancouver area. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they do tunnel through it to build their nests, which can lead to serious structural damage over time. If you’ve noticed large black ants wandering around your home, especially near damp or rotting wood, you might have a carpenter ant infestation.
The good news? You can get rid of them, but it requires a combination of patience, diligence, and sometimes professional help from your local pest control is necessary.
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the largest ants you’ll find in Canada, usually black or dark brown in color. They range in size from 6 to 12 millimetres, but some winged reproductive ants can be even larger. If you spot these ants inside your home, particularly in spring or summer, it’s a sign that a colony may be nearby. You might also notice small piles of wood shavings (called frass), rustling sounds inside your walls, or even damaged wooden structures.
Steps to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
1. Find and Destroy the Nest
To effectively get rid of carpenter ants, you need to locate their nest. These ants prefer damp, decaying wood, so check areas like:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Window and door frames
- Attics and ceilings
- Under sinks and around leaky pipes
- Wooden decks or fence posts
- Firewood stored along the foundation
- Skylights
If you spot frass near wooden surfaces, tap on the wood and listen for a hollow sound. Sometimes, you may hear faint rustling noises inside the walls, which is a telltale sign of an active colony. Once the nest is found, you can use a targeted insecticide spray or dust to eliminate the ants directly.
2. Use Baits and Insecticides
Baits are one of the most effective ways to deal with carpenter ants because they allow worker ants to carry poisoned food back to the colony, killing the queen and other ants in the process. Choose bait that contains slow-acting insecticide and place it near ant trails or entry points.
If you prefer a more direct approach, insecticidal dust or sprays labeled for carpenter ants can be applied directly to nests or cracks where ants travel. Keep in mind that if the queen survives, the colony will rebuild, so thorough treatment is key.
3. Fix Moisture Problems
Carpenter ants are attracted to moist, decaying wood. Eliminating moisture sources can help prevent future infestations. Some steps you can take include:
- Fixing leaky pipes and faucets
- Ensuring proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces
- Replacing rotting or water-damaged wood
- Keeping gutters clean and directing water away from your home’s foundation
4. Seal Entry Points
Even if you eliminate the current colony, new carpenter ants may invade your home if they find easy entry points. Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Seal these areas with caulk or weather stripping to keep ants from getting inside.
5. Trim Trees and Remove Decaying Wood
Carpenter ants often enter homes from outdoor nests. Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house will reduce the chances of ants using branches as bridges. Also, remove old tree stumps, firewood, or any rotting wood near your home to prevent them from setting up new colonies close to your property.
When to Call Your Local Pest Control Specialist
If you’ve tried these methods and are still seeing carpenter ants in your home, it may be time to call your pest control specialist. Professional pest control exterminators have the tools and expertise to locate hidden nests, apply the right treatments, and ensure the ants don’t come back.
Get Professional Help with Carpenter Ants in Vancouver
At Phantom Pest Control Vancouver, we specialize in getting rid of carpenter ants for both homeowners and businesses across Metro Vancouver. If you suspect an infestation, don’t wait until the damage gets worse.
Request a free quote or give us a call today, and let’s take care of the problem before it spreads!
