How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Naturally?

Carpenter ants are a type of ant present in many parts of the world.

They get their name from their habit of building their nests in wood.

These ants are a nuisance because they can damage your home and property. But don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of them naturally!

This article will show you how to eliminate these pesky pests using common household items.

You won’t need any expensive pesticides or chemicals. So sit back, relax, and watch this helpful tutorial. And don’t forget to share with your friends!

What are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are a species of ants known for their wood-damaging habits. The most common type of carpenter ant found in the United States is the black carpenter ant.

Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture. So, they are often found in damp areas. They do not eat wood but tunnel through it to create their nests.

These pesky critters often invade homes searching for food and are fond of sweets and proteins. So, they can be a nuisance in the kitchen. 

Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species and can range in size from 6 to 25 mm long.

They are black or dark brown and have smooth, shiny exoskeletons. Their large size and glossy appearance make them one of the most distinctive ants.

Carpenter ants get their name from their habit of hollowing out wood to create nests. This nesting behavior can cause severe damage to buildings and other wooden structures.

Carpenter ants can be a serious problem for homeowners because they can cause extensive damage to the structure of a home. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant problem, it is crucial to exterminate them as soon as possible.

There are several ways to get rid of carpenter ants naturally, including using bait and traps and removing their food sources.

What are the Natural Ways to Eliminate Carpenter Ants?

1. Boric Acid

Carpenter ants are one of the most common pests in the United States. According to the National Pest Management Association, they are responsible for more than $5 billion in damage each year.

These hardy little insects can quickly destroy your home if left unchecked. But there’s no need to call an exterminator! You can get rid of carpenter ants naturally with boric acid.

Boric acid is a white powder derived from boron, a natural element found in the environment. It is safe around humans and pets but lethal to ants.

When carpenter ants ingest boric acid, it interferes with their digestive system and eventually kills them. Mix equal parts boric acid and sugar, and put the mixture where you’ve seen the carpenter ants.

When the ants are attracted to the sugar, they’ll die once they eat the boric acid. Also, you can mix it with honey to bait them.

Place the mixture in an ant-proof container (a plastic container with holes punched in the lid works well) and set it near where you’ve seen the ants.

You should be patient, as it may take a few days for all the ants to find and eat the mixture. 

2. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring substance made up of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic creatures called diatoms.

The sharp edges of diatomaceous earth particles cut through the exoskeletons of insects. This contact causes them to dehydrate and die.

Carpenter ants are a common household pest in many parts of the world. While they do not carry disease, they can cause damage to your home as they tunnel through the wood in search of food.

You can use diatomaceous earth to get rid of carpenter ants naturally. Sprinkle the powder around the perimeter of your home, paying attention to entry points such as doors and windows.

The ants will come into contact with the powder and die within a few hours. 

3. Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral with a long history of uses in cleaning and pest control. It’s safe to use around children and pets but deadly for pests.

When the ants ingest borax, it will disrupt their digestive system and eventually kill them. Though it’s sometimes called “sodium borate,” “sodium tetraborate,” or “disodium tetraborate.”

They are all the same thing. You can find borax in the laundry aisle of most stores. In addition, it’s an effective way to exterminate carpenter ants naturally.

When used as dust, it clings to their bodies and kills them. You can make a Borax bait to lure them out of their nests and into traps.

To use Borax as a dust – sprinkle it around the areas where you’ve seen carpenter ants activity. Be sure to get into cracks and crevices, as well as behind appliances and under sinks.

You can also mix equal parts borax and sugar and place it in areas where you’ve seen carpenter ants or their nests. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, carrying the borax back to their nest.

It will kill the queen ant and the rest of the colony. 

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most versatile items in your home and can serve various purposes, including getting rid of carpenter ants.

Here are a few tips on eliminating these pesky insects using baking soda. Carpenter ants are attracted to sweet substances, so one way to get rid of them is to mix equal parts baking soda and sugar.

Place this mixture where you’ve seen the ants, and they will be drawn to it. Once they eat the baking soda, it will kill them.

Another way to use baking soda is to make a paste with water and spread it around areas where carpenter ants are present. The paste will kill the ants on contact.

Finally, you can also sprinkle baking soda directly on ants to kill them instantly. 

5. Soap and Water

Carpenter ants are one of the most common household pests. They’re also one of the most difficult to get rid of. If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, there’s no need to call an exterminator.

You can get rid of them naturally with soap solution. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Find the nest and spray it liberally with soapy water.

The ants will come out of the nest to escape the spray. Once they’re out, use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. The soap will kill the ants, and the water will help remove their bodies.

If you have a severe infestation, you may need to repeat this process several times. But eventually, you’ll get rid of all the carpenter ants in your home!  

6. Vinegar 

Vinegar is one of the most popular household items, and it can do more than just clean your counters. You can use it to get rid of carpenter ants naturally.

Carpenter ants are a type of ant that is known for damaging the wood. They tunnel through wood and create galleries that can weaken the structure of your home.

If you have carpenter ants in your home, you will want to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are a few ways you can use vinegar to eliminate carpenter ants.

One way is to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture onto the ants. This solution will kill the ants on contact.

Another way is to pour vinegar directly onto an ant hill. It will kill the ants and discourage other ants from moving into the area. 

7. Essential Oils

Essential oils are a natural way to repel and kill carpenter ants. They’re also safe to use around children and pets. Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for carpenter ants.

It’s a natural insecticide that will kill them on contact. Peppermint oil is so effective at killing carpenter ants because the ants cannot tolerate the pungent smell.

It has a potent and minty scent that will irritate the ants and cause them to leave your home in search of fresh air. You can also use lemon oil or eucalyptus oil.

They all work to suffocate and kill the insects on contact. To use essential oils – mix ten drops with water in a spray bottle and spray it around areas where you’ve seen carpenter ants.

You can also apply a few drops to a cotton ball and place it near ant trails or nest sites.

The smell will send the ants packing. If you have a carpenter ant problem, try using essential oils as a natural solution.

Conclusion

Getting rid of carpenter ants naturally is possible with little knowledge and effort.

These insects are attracted to damp wood, so fixing any leaks or damaged areas in your home is a critical place to start.

You can also try a few home remedies like boric acid or diatomaceous earth to get rid of them. You can use a combination of these methods to find the one that works best for you.

Taking full advantage of these natural methods can help avoid using harmful chemicals around your home while achieving the same results.