The standard treatment to
control carpenter ants was, at one time,
to apply insecticide into exterior wall voids,
completely around the structure, thereby creating
a barrier that worker ants had to cross to forage
outside for food and water. Wall
void
treatments generally require
drilling into these spaces and may be beyond the
ability of most homeowners. However, wall
void treatments may not be necessary if
perimeter sprays and baits are used instead.
Perimeter sprays are used alone
or in conjunction with wall void treatments for added
protection. Typically, a perimeter treatment involves
spraying an insecticide such as Termidor
Insecticide (see below) around the base of the structure
where the siding overlaps the foundation (see photo
right).
The third, and newest tool, is carpenter
ant bait. These special baits are designed for
carpenter ants and may be used around the base of the
structure or even indoors.
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House foundation (grey), siding
(white), and foundation vent (black). "Perimeter"
sprays should be applied where the
siding overlaps the foundation, under the lip
of the siding and completely around the house.
Photo by JD DeAngelis.
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