Established, older carpenter ant colonies consist of a main colony containing the queen, brood and workers and other satellite colonies containing workers and winged males and females gathering before their next mating flights. The quantity of satellite colonies is proportionate with latitude, with the greater number being found in the north. The main colony will often be located outside of structures in an area of higher humidity. Satellites can be inside or outside and they do not contain younger ants that need the higher moisture level. Therefore, satellites can also be found in more extreme areas, such as basements and attics.

Carpenter Ant Prevention

Homeowners should follow these simple steps to prevent carpenter ant problems:

Locate firewood piles off the ground and away from the home. Trim trees and shrubs that brush next to the home. These can act as bridges to your home for the ants. Correct any wood-to-earth contact, such as buried posts or wood siding in contact with mulch. Fix any water leaks. Carpenter ants and other insects are attracted to moisture.

Carpenter Ant Control

If you have seen carpenter ants for over a year, with wings, or during winter months, it can be assumed that a main or satellite carpenter ant colony is present in your home. On the other hand, if you see carpenter ants only outside and during the spring, the colonies are likely only located outside. Obviously, the location of the colony will be an important determinant of needed control measures.

If you do suspect you have carpenter ants inside, the best treatment method starts with finding the nest. Often carpenter ants will nest in areas of water leaks, which can be caused by plumbing or inadequate weatherproofing. Some common areas to check would include moist, hollow spaces such as the void behind a dishwasher and poorly flashed chimneys. If there are no external signs of damage, you can sometimes probe the wood with a screwdriver to reveal excavated galleries. You can also tap along baseboards and other wood surfaces while listening for the hollow sound of damaged wood. If a nest is nearby, the ants will sometimes make a rustling sound, similar to that of crinkling of cellophane. If you can lure the ants out, it is sometimes productive to trace their trails back to the nest.

According to Barb Ogg, Ph.D., Extension Educator, a baiting technique can be used to locate carpenter ants' nests. Purchase some live crickets at your local pet store. Kill a couple and place them in an area where carpenter ants forage. Within a short time, the workers should have located the crickets and brought them back to the nest. By tracking their movements, it may be easier to find the nest location. Because carpenter ants forage during late afternoon and evening hours, make sure bait is available at this time of the day.

Once you have found where the ants are, treat all wall voids and other hidden spaces containing their nests by drilling small holes and spraying Perma-Dust into the hole. Drill and treat at least 4 to 6 feet on either side of where the ants are entering in order to maximize the chances of reaching the nest. Consider also treating behind electrical junction boxes.

If your carpenter ants are outside, you should still follow them to their nests, which will often be in a stump or pile of wood. After you discover the nest, spray it directly with Talstar One. If you suspect outdoor nests, it's prudent to look at the foundation of your home at night, around doors and other openings to attempt to locate ants.