What are carpenter ants?
There is a category of ants known as carpenter ants. They are called so because of the damage they do to the wood in houses and their furniture. These ants do not eat wood, but they do chew to make pathways for themselves. One can detect ants through random piles of particles that appear like wood shavings. That’s what hints at the presence of carpenter ants.
Carpenter ants are usually black-red, all brown, all-red, or all-black. They are huge, about half an inch to 5/8 inch.
How do the ants enter a home?
To kill and control the ants, it is important to know little details about the ants. This includes knowing the way they enter a home. These ants have a love for wet, mouldy wood. They are attracted to moisture present inside houses. They may also enter through cracks or tiny openings. Finally, they make air-conditioning units, sinks, dishwashers, and bathtubs their popular places.
Getting rid of carpenter ants
Getting rid of them is about finding the nest, removing the ant population, and preventing ants from coming back. Here is a list of ways one can get rid of carpenter ants, as suggested by experts of ant control & removal in Melbourne.
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Making a bait to find the nest
Placing bait, like a little bit of jam or jelly helps find the nest of the ants, as suggested by pest experts. Sugar bait can also be mixed with a little baking soda, and the solution is kept in a shallow dish. Baking soda works by killing the ants that approach the bait.
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Elimination of scent trails
The ants rely upon pheromone trails for finding food sources and travelling. This necessitates cleanliness to avoid them. One can also use essential oils just like tea tree, orange, lemon, or cedarwood on a cotton ball for cleaning surfaces and interrupting the trails of carpenter ants.
A solution of white vinegar and water can be used to kill their nests. Another type of solution may be one with a part of a soap dish and two parts of water.
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Destruction of the nests
Next is destroying the nests of the ants. This process may be done several times to get completely rid of carpenter ants inside the house. First, one needs to detect the presence of a large number of ants. The Pest control experts in Melbourne recommend drilling holes every six inches in the area of their presence. Then a bulb duster can be used to puff boric acid through those holes. The presence of boric acid kills the ants.
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Trail the ants toward the nest
Using bait, one can trail the ants back to their nests. This helps in finding the nests and destroying them. Using a toxic bait is recommended and takes about three days for the effect to be visible.
When to call experts for dealing with carpenter ants?
The above-mentioned steps are suitable when the presence of carpenter ants is up to a certain limit. But if you find yourself unsuccessful in dealing with the ants yourself, consider it a time to call the experts. Here professional help will be the best choice such as calling exterminators.
Make sure you call experts who are the best in offering pest control services in Melbourne.
