The Best Products Against Carpenter Ants
There are several species of ants that can invade the home, but there is only one that can do some real damage – the carpenter ant. The name is quite appropriate, because these ants will build their nests inside wood, just like termites, and they are capable of causing thousands of dollars in damage. And once they have infested the building, they are very hard to get rid of as well. Fortunately, there are a few products on the market that can help you out. Here is how you can pick the best ones for the job.
Product types
There are a few types of products that can be used against carpenter ants: kill on contact sprays, baits that are designed to be taken back to the hive, where they will kill the queen, and granules that can be applied near entry points in the home in order to prevent ants from gaining entry. Using a combination of these products can be very effective.
Active ingredients
A variety of chemicals can act as active ingredients in ant control products. One of the most popular ones is borax, which is used in both commercial products and DIY solutions. It is particularly popular because it is very toxic to ants but not to humans, and this makes it a suitable option for indoor baits. Another common active ingredient is hydramethylnon which shares the same toxicity traits as borax. You may also come across products with active ingredients such as fipronil, lambda-cyhalothrin, avermectin and indoxacarb. All these chemicals are classified as reduced risk pesticides by the EPA.
Application method
Products will come in four main application methods. You have bait stations, granules, sprays and dusts. Bait stations are always a good option. The insecticide is placed in an enclosed plastic receptacle that is only accessible to ants, which means that the stations can be safely placed inside the home if you have pets or children. Inside the bait station, you will have an insecticide that will stick to the ants, and the ants will take the chemical back to their colony, amplifying the damage.
Granules are best used to treat soil around the home, where they will remain effective for several months, basically creating a chemical shield on your property. Sprays are meant to be used directly onto the ants in order to kill them on contact, or on crevices and cracks through which the ants travel. Finally, dust can be placed on surfaces that you do not want ants to walk onto.
Sometimes, all you will need to get an infestation under control is the right combination of products. If the infestation is too big however, you will need the help of a pro. Contact us today if you have any problems with carpenter ants.
