Serving Edmonton for over 120 years

How do you find a carpenter ant nest?

How do you find a carpenter ant nest?

To find a carpenter ant nest, begin by conducting a thorough inspection of the property, both indoors and outdoors. Look for signs of infestation, such as frass (sawdust-like material), damaged wood, and live ants, particularly the winged reproductive ants called swarmers. Pay close attention to areas with water damage or excessive moisture, as carpenter ants prefer nesting in moist wood. Observe ant trails between their nest and food sources, inspecting walls, baseboards, window frames, and door frames where ants have been seen.

In some cases, specialized equipment and techniques may be necessary to locate the nest. This can include using bait to follow ants back to their nest, employing moisture meters or infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture, or using acoustic detectors to identify the sounds produced by ants as they chew through the wood. Once the general location of the nest has been determined, visual confirmation might require removing sections of the wall or floor or using a boroscope to inspect hidden areas without causing significant damage to the structure.

At Birch Fumigators, we can implement a comprehensive plan to eliminate a carpenter ant infestation and prevent future occurrences. Here are some steps they may take to address the problem:

  1. Inspection and identification: The first step is to thoroughly inspect the property to confirm the presence of carpenter ants and locate their nests. This process involves checking for signs of infestation and using specialized equipment if necessary.
  2. Treatment plan: Once the nest location is determined, Birch Fumigators will develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate the carpenter ant colony. This may include:
    • Direct nest treatment: Applying insecticides or dust formulations directly to the nest to kill the ants and the queen, which is crucial for the colony’s elimination.
    • Baiting: Using bait stations with slow-acting insecticides that worker ants carry back to the nest, sharing the poison with the rest of the colony, and eventually killing the queen and other ants.
    • Perimeter treatments: Applying liquid insecticides or granules around the exterior of the property to create a barrier that prevents ants from entering the structure.
  3. Prevention and maintenance: Birch Fumigators will also provide recommendations for preventing future carpenter ant infestations. These measures may include:
    • Addressing moisture issues: Repairing leaky pipes, gutters, and rooflines, and improving ventilation to reduce moisture in wood and other materials, making the environment less attractive to carpenter ants.
    • Removing potential food sources: Storing food items in sealed containers, cleaning up spills and crumbs, and maintaining proper sanitation to eliminate ant food sources.
    • Sealing entry points: Caulking cracks and crevices, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and fixing damaged screens to prevent ants from entering the structure.
    • Eliminating nesting sites: Removing decaying wood, pruning trees and shrubs away from the property, and storing firewood at a distance from the building to reduce potential nesting sites.
  4. Follow-up services: Birch Fumigators may offer regular follow-up inspections and treatments to ensure the infestation has been successfully eliminated and prevent any recurrence of the problem.

Ants

The ants come marching one by one. Take action if you see any ants or else more will come.

Professional Pest Control Services

Don't let bugs take over - call Birch Fumigators today! Get a Free Estimate (Within the Edmonton Area). Go with the best pest control company Edmonton.

Professional Pest Control Services

Don't let bugs take over - call Birch Fumigators today! Get a Free Estimate (Within the Edmonton Area). Go with the best pest control company Edmonton.

Related FAQs

Vinegar is a natural ant repellent and can be used to get rid of ants outside. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your home. The ants will not be able to cross the vinegar line and will be forced to find another way into your home.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best method of ant control will vary depending on the specific situation. However, in general, powders are more effective at killing ants than ant sprays. Birch Fumigators can help you determine the best method of ant control for your specific situation and get rid of your ant problem once and for all.

Borax is a white crystalline powder that is used as a household cleaner, ant killer, and laundry booster. It is also effective in treating fleas and lice on pets. When mixed with sugar, borax makes an effective bait for killing ants. However, we don’t recommend that you use poisons to kill ants without professional guidance. If you’re using borax as an ant bait, be sure to put it in a place where children and pets can’t reach it. You should also avoid inhaling the powder or getting it in your eyes.

Ants are known to dislike certain strong scents, including:

  • Peppermint: Ants dislike the strong smell of peppermint essential oil, which can be used to create a natural ant repellent.
  • Vinegar: Ants are also known to avoid the smell of vinegar, which can be used to clean surfaces and discourage ant infestations.
  • Lemon: The strong citrus scent of lemons is also known to repel ants.
  • Cinnamon: Ants have a difficult time navigating through cinnamon, which can be sprinkled around entry points or used to create a natural ant repellent.
  • Borax: Ants also dislike the smell of borax, which is a common ingredient in many ant bait traps.

 

These scents can be used in various forms, such as essential oils, sprays, or powders, to create a barrier that ants will avoid. However, there is no guarantee that these methods alone will work to deter or prevent ants. It’s best to work with a professional pest control company to ensure that these pests don’t come back.

You can try storebought ant poisons, but a simple mixture of boric acid and sugar works well, too. Just mix 3 parts boric acid with 1 part sugar, and sprinkle it around the outside of your home. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, and they’ll take the boric acid back to their nest, which will kill them all. You can also try using diatomaceous earth, which is a natural substance made from the fossils of algae. Its sharp edges will kill the ants when they walk over it. Just sprinkle it around the outside of your home, and they’ll eventually all be gone.

At Birch Fumigators, we recommend that you don’t use any poisons without a professional opinion, as some outdoor ant killers can actually do more harm than good. If you have an infestation, the best thing to do is contact a local ant removal specialist like us for help. We’ll be able to quickly and effectively get rid of your ant problem without causing any collateral damage.

There are a variety of natural methods that can be used to kill ants. For example, you can use diatomaceous earth, peppermint, tea tree oil, or vinegar, to name a few.

Birch Fumigators is one of Edmonton’s oldest and most reliable pest control companies. Birch Fumigators has been in business for over 100 years and has the experience and expertise to get rid of any type of pests. Birch Fumigators will inspect your property, identify the type of ants you have, and provide a treatment plan to get rid of the ants for good.

BIRCH FUMIGATORS

est. 1900

Don't Let Bugs Get the Best of You

BIRCH FUMIGATORS

est. 1900

Don't Let Bugs Get the Best of You