Baiting is the most effective method used to get rid of carpenter ants. At DoMyOwnPestControl.com we provide the professional do it yourself pest control products and friendly expertise to help you with all of your carpenter ant control needs. The following tips and guidelines can help you launch a successful carpenter ant baiting program that will result in total colony elimination.
1- Outdoor Baiting
Indoor carpenter ant nests are most likely "satellite" colonies connected to a "main" colony in an old log stump or other outdoor nesting site. Since there is a always a continuous stream of workers traveling between the indoor satellite nests and the main nest outside, the primary goal of any exterior baiting program is to create a band of bait in between the two nests so that worker ants are sure to pick it up on the trail. The workers will share the bait, thus spreading the poison throughout the colony.
How To Apply Bait Outdoors: Apply a 2 to 4 foot band of bait such as Niban Granular Bait or Advance Carpenter Ant Bait around the perimeter of your home and around the base of trees, firewood piles, stumps, or other places carpenter ants might nest.
2- Indoor Baiting
To speed the control process, outdoor baiting should be combined with indoor baiting whenever possible. In addition to pumped up ammunition (more placements equals greater efficacy and control), indoor baiting also provides residual bait that will help to prevent re-infestation. To get residual control, use baits that will remain effective for longer periods of time, such as Niban-FG Fine Granular Bait or Advance Carpenter Ant Bait. For large or especially stubborn infestations, Maxforce Carpenter Ant Gel is your best bet for fast, powerful, and lasting control.
How to Apply Bait Indoors: Apply small placements in cracks and crevices, especially where ants are seen foraging or entering the structure. Inspect gel placement and reapply as needed. For optimum success, follow the directions printed on the individual product label.
- Additional Indoor Baiting Tips:
- Remove competitive food sources. Practicing good sanitation is the best way to remove food particles or spills that may serve to deter ants from accepting chemical baits.
- Always use fresh bait. As a rule, only place baits with packaging that was opened within the last 6 months.
- Do not use residual sprays or dusts anywhere near bait placements. Doing so may either kill ants before they can take the bait or repel them from seeking out chemical bait.
- It is better to err on the side of too many bait placements than too few. If possible, place baits at all potential entry points.
- Do not move or tamper with the bait once the ants have begun feeding.
Recommended Carpenter Ant Baits
1) Advance Carpenter Ant Bait - This protein-based bait is ideal for both outdoor and indoor application, and will hold up well under adverse weather conditions. Use outdoors as a broadcast application around and close to the perimeter of the structure (8oz. per 1/2 acre), or on the interior inside wall voids or in areas where ants forage.
2) Niban Fine Granular Bait (1 lb.) or Niban Granular Bait - 5lb. bag
Niban granular bait is moisture resistant and will not degrade from heat or sunlight exposure, so it is great for indoor or outdoor use. It will also remain effective through 2 inches of rain. Niban granules are virtually odorless. FG Niban comes in a convenient applicator bottle with a dusting tip
3) Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel
This sweet-based bait provides rapid control in 3-5 days. Maxforce gel is especially effective on large or stubborn ant colonies-it uses a delayed action kill so the bait is passed throughout the carpenter ant colony. Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel formulation stays attractive for up to two weeks and holds up well outside as well as inside.
*Dynamic Duo: Advance Carpenter Ant Bait and Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel together maybe be used in combination to provide for both the sweet-feeding and protein-feeding needs of the carpenter ant colony.
Prevent Future Carpenter Ant Infestations
- Cut back tree limbs within 5 feet of your roof.
- Remove firewood from the sides of your home and keep piles elevated so they do not touch the soil directly.
- Use caulk to seal any cracks along foundations, siding, windows and doors.
- Install mesh screens over attic and crawl space vents.
- Fix plumbing leaks, properly adjust sprinkler heads, and reroute air conditioner drains as necessary to eliminate sources of water carpenter ants need to survive
For more information, visit our Carpenter Ant Control page
Carpenter Ant Kits
Carpenter Ant Kit #1
Carpenter Ant Kit #2
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