Seeing the odd ant or two in your home during the summer is typically no cause for concern and is quite normal. However, dealing with carpenter ants is a whole different story, as they can cause serious damage to your home.
While termites are notorious as the most destructive pests in Maryland, carpenter ants can excavate through wood extremely quickly, costing homeowners hundreds of dollars in repairs and treatment plans.
If you’re tired of dealing with carpenter ants through the summer in Maryland, here are some of the most effective ways to keep your Maryland home safe from carpenter ants this year.
Identifying Carpenter Ants vs. Other Ants
There are several ways to differentiate carpenter ants from other types of ants in Maryland, with the most notable detail being their size. Carpenter ants are much larger than other types of ants, measuring up to 1 inch in length. Carpenter ants also have segmented bodies and heart-shaped heads, giving them a more distinct appearance compared to other types of ants.
Why Carpenter Ants Are a Problem in Maryland Homes
Carpenter ants are incredibly destructive pests that can cause significant damage to homes if not dealt with promptly. Carpenter ants excavate wood to create their nests, and by doing so, they can weaken the structural integrity of a home.
Being that carpenter ants are more attracted to excess moisture and decaying wood, homes with water damage or leaks are especially vulnerable to these pests.
Inspecting for Nests and Entry Points
To find out where the carpenter ants in your home are coming from, you will want to determine where their nests and entry points are. Nests and entry points are often found in areas with excess moisture and wood damage, both indoors and outdoors.
You can also try following an ant trail to determine where they are coming from or going to. Be sure to also check moisture-prone areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
When it comes to getting rid of carpenter ants, there are several effective things you can do on your own, including:
1. Locate and Eliminate the Nest
The first step to getting rid of carpenter ants is to locate their nest. You can do this by checking areas with excess moisture in your home, such as your basement or bathroom. If you see any carpenter ants, try to follow their trail to determine where their nest is.
Once you have located their nest, contact a pest control professional to get rid of the carpenter ants in your home.
2. Use Carpenter Ant Bait Stations
Bait stations are commonly used to kill carpenter ants in a home, and they can be effective when used correctly. Bait stations work by attracting carpenter ants with a bait that they will consume before returning to their colony and spreading it to the rest of the ants.
This will typically kill the queen and the rest of the colony, eliminating the carpenter ants in your home.
3. Apply Insecticidal Dust to Wall Voids and Nesting Areas
Insecticidal dust, such as diatomaceous earth, can be applied to wall voids and other nesting areas to kill the carpenter ants in your home. These solutions can be purchased at most home improvement stores and can be applied by the homeowner themselves.
4. Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points Around the Home
Carpenter ants can enter your home through the smallest openings. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, utility lines, and foundation cracks. Blocking these access points makes it much harder for ants to invade.
5. Trim Trees and Remove Moist Wood Near the Foundation
Overhanging branches and shrubs can act as bridges for carpenter ants to access your home. Trim trees and bushes so they don’t touch the exterior of your house. Also, remove or relocate any moist or decaying wood, firewood stacks, or tree stumps away from the foundation to reduce attractants.
6. Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture Around the Home
Carpenter ants are drawn to damp environments. Repair leaking roofs, pipes, and faucets promptly. Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces, and other high-moisture areas to keep humidity levels in check and discourage infestations.
7. Hire a Professional Pest Control Service for Targeted Treatment
Whenever you find yourself dealing with a pest infestation of any kind, it is always wise to enlist the help of a pest control professional. An experienced exterminator will be able to inspect your home to determine the severity of the infestation and recommend a targeted treatment plan to get rid of these pests for good.
Tips to Prevent Future Infestations
To prevent future carpenter ant infestations, here are a few essential steps you should take:
- Eliminate excess moisture in and around your home by fixing leaks, improving drainage, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Seal all possible entry points with caulk or weatherstripping, especially around doors, windows, vents, and foundation cracks.
- Keep firewood, tree stumps, and debris far away from the foundation to avoid attracting ants that may then migrate into your home.
- Remove trash and food waste regularly to minimize attractants inside and outside your house.
- Maintain a clean home interior, paying special attention to kitchen counters, floors, and pet areas where crumbs or spills can invite pests.
While these steps are crucial for long-term prevention, the most reliable way to keep carpenter ants out of your home is with professional help.
Pest Czar’s Czar Guard Monthly Protection Program is designed to provide year-round defense against a wide range of pests, including carpenter ants. With routine inspections, targeted treatments, and proactive monitoring, our certified technicians ensure that pest activity is stopped before it becomes a problem.
Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or looking to prevent one, Czar Guard offers peace of mind with expert service tailored to Maryland homes.
Don’t wait until carpenter ants cause costly damage—enroll in Czar Guard today and protect your home with the best defense in pest control.
FAQs
What attracts carpenter ants to my home?
The main things that could be attracting carpenter ants to your home may be moisture and decaying wood. Soft, decaying wood is ideal for carpenter ants because it is easier for them to excavate.
How can I tell if I have carpenter ants or termites?
If you are unsure whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants or termites, there are a few key differences between these two pests. First, take a look at their appearance.
Carpenter ants are larger and black or reddish brown in color, while termites are smaller and more pale. Carpenter ants create tunnels in wood, while termites create mud tubes to travel through and connect their colonies.
Where do carpenter ants typically nest?
Carpenter ants typically nest in moist or decaying wood and can be found both indoors and outdoors. This includes tree stumps, soil, wall voids, and even foam insulation.