Carpenter ants can be a major household pest, causing damage to wood structures, chewing through insulation and discarding sawdust around their nest sites. Homeowners often face the question of how best to get rid of a carpenter ant infestation, with ant baits a popular choice. But do ant baits work on carpenter ants?
The truth is that it depends on the type of bait used and the particular circumstances of the ant infestation. U.S.-based pest control company, Orkin, indicates that liquid and granular baits that contain a carbohydrate as a primary food source can be effective against some species of carpenter ants. Pesticide-laced baits can be used to successfully eradicate carpenter ant colonies, but they are less appealing to outdoor carpenter ants, who prefer sweet foods like fruit, honey and syrup.
Entomologist and researcher, Philip Hendrix, gives further insight into different baiting options: “Invisible ant bait is generally most effective in moderate to small sized carpenter ant infestations. In cases of large infestations, however, visible bait such as honey or syrup is often more successful due to the large volume of bait needed in order to achieve satisfactory control.”
The effectiveness of ant baiting for carpenter ants is clearly linked to the cater to their food preferences. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using baits specifically formulated for carpenter ants, as these are engineered to address the dietary choices of the species and thus, are more likely to be accepted. Various types of homemade bait solutions are available, including one part honey to five parts boric acid, however, the EPA cautions that these may not be effective in large-scale infestations.
Contrary to popular belief, some carpenter ant species feed on protein, fat, and even grease, and this must be taken into account when selecting the right bait. Such foods tend not be found in commercially available baits and may need to be specially ordered to eradicate the entire colony. As Benjamin Ramp, an entomologist, explains: “Providing carpenter ants with access to a variety of baits is important in order to deter associated feeding preferences and to increase the likelihood of eradicating the entire colony”.
In his advice for homeowners, Ramp also notes that, in order to achieve the best results, baits should be placed directly on the trail of carpenter ants. Doing this has been shown to attract the household ants to the bait, rather than the ants from nearby colonies. Additionally, Ramp advises that a few ants be left on the bait in order to transmit the poison to the rest of the colony.
Where to Place Bait
Once the right type of bait has been determined, the next step is to identify where the ants are entering and exiting the home, as well as the location of any mounds they have built outside. Then, baits can be placed directly onto those points of entry and exit, as well as around the mound.
In order to protect the integrity of the bait, it’s important to position the baits in such a way that they are out of the reach of both pets and children. Also, keep in mind that baiting will not be effective if additional sources of food are available around the area. Thoroughly clean up any spills, correctly store any food products, and seal any potential entry points to outside food sources such as overripe fruit or tree sap.
Finally, after applying the bait it’s important to clean up any visible food waste, sawdust and any other residue produced by carpenter ants. Doing this can help keep the ants away even after baiting has been applied.
Combining With Other Treatments
In some cases, combining ant baiting with other treatments for carpenter ants, such as residual sprays, may be necessary to properly exterminate the colony. Severe or long-term infestations my require a combination of different tactics to effectively clear the home of carpenter ants. The most important thing is to apply baits only as directed and to professional standards. If unsure, contact a qualified pest management professional for assistance.
Benefits of Ant Baiting
When used correctly, in combination with other methods, ant baiting can be an effective way of eradicating a carpenter ant infestation. Not only can it be cost effective, but because it can take weeks to take effect, it gives carpenter ant colonies time to spread the bait to the rest of the colony, thus making sure they are all eradicated.
Benjamin Ramp notes that, in addition to providing immediate solace, ant baiting can be a “very effective preventative measure” when it comes to discouraging carpenter ant colonies from forming near the house in the first place. He suggest regularly checking the home’s foundation and exterior walls for carpenter ant activity and recommend baiting in areas of high activity.
Safety Precautions
When using ant bait, it’s important to take safety precautions for the health of animals and children, by using tamper-proof bait stations when necessary. Additionally, pesticide-baits, which are meant for large infestations, can be harmful to humans and pets and should only be used when certified and reputable pest control professionals advise doing so. Where possible it’s recommended to seek out non-toxic or plant-based solutions.
Essential Action Points
In conclusion, while ant baiting can be effective at managing carpenter ants, selecting the right bait, and correctly applying it, takes a level of expertise. There are various registered and non-registered baits available and speaking with a qualified pest management professional can help determine the right options. It’s also important to understand the dietary preferences of the species and that various species also feed on protein, fat, and even grease.
Aside from baiting, it’s also vital to identify where carpenter ants are frequently entering and exiting the home, and around the mound, when applying bait. Finally, for maximum effectiveness, residual sprays or insecticides can be applied in combination with bait, but safety precautions should be taken whenever possible.
