Carpenter ants burrow in damp wood and can destroy a home’s structure if not treated. The following steps describe how to locate and eliminate a nest. Afterward, replacing rotted wood, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and repairing plumbing leaks will prevent ants from infesting a home again.
* Materials
* plastic sheeting
* honeydew
* sugar
* water
* spoon
* shallow dish
* pesticide dusting kit
* rubber gloves
* face mask
* boric acid
* caulk
* caulk gun
* disinfectant
* bucket
* mop
* lint-free cloths
Locating And Treating A Nest Of Ants
After spotting a few ants, a piece of plastic sheeting should be draped across the floor. A honeydew or a sugar and water mixture can be placed in a dish to lure ants. A trail of ants will be spotted once they discover the sweet snack that is on the sheeting. While observing a line of ants, the location of their nest will be discovered. Before administering pesticide, rubber gloves and a face mask should be placed over an individual’s hands and face.
A bottle with a thin tip that came with a pesticide kit can be used to treat ants. While the nozzle is aimed towards a nest of ants, a bottle should be squeezed to administer poison. If someone would rather use a product that does not contain harsh chemicals, they can sprinkle boric acid granules over the wood that contains a nest of ants. It may take several days to destroy an entire colony of ants.
Preventing Additional Infestations
Once ants have been destroyed, a disinfectant can be used to clean surfaces that were treated with a pesticide. Any wood that is rotten should be replaced as soon as possible. Gaps around windows and doors can be sealed with caulk. After caulk is applied with a caulk gun, a putty knife can be moved across the caulk to flatten it. Caulk will provide a barrier that ants will not be able to penetrate. Leaky pipes should be replaced by a plumber to prevent wooden flooring or furniture from becoming damaged.
Pest Exterminators in Puyallup Wa should be contacted to assist with eliminating pests if a home or business owner is not successful on their own. Pest Exterminators in Puyallup Wa will treat structures that are infested with ants, roaches, bees, spiders, and rodents.
