Are you tired of carpenter ants wreaking havoc in your home? If left unchecked, these pesky insects can cause significant damage to wooden structures.
A mature carpenter ant colony can contain up to 50,000 individuals,¹ and the queen can live for 25 years. Ignoring a carpenter ant infestation can lead to costly repairs.
But before you resort to harsh chemical pesticides, try some safe and natural methods to remove them permanently. Here are the 13 proven strategies to help eliminate carpenter ants and protect your home from destructive habits.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that effectively kills carpenter ants by damaging their exoskeletons and causing dehydration. (ref) Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth directly on the ant colony or along their trails.
The ants will return the powder to the nest, eventually eliminating the colony.
When using diatomaceous earth, always wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles. Reapply the powder every few days until the ant population is under control.
2. Borax & Sugar Bait
Create a homemade ant bait by mixing equal parts borax and powdered sugar. Place the mixture in shallow dishes near areas with high ant activity. The sugar’s sweet smell attracts the ants, while the borax is a slow-acting poison that disrupts their digestive system.
As the worker ants carry the bait back to the colony, they unknowingly poison the entire nest, including the queen.
Keep the bait stations out of reach of children and pets, and replenish them regularly until the ants disappear.
3. Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is a natural carpenter ant deterrent that disrupts their pheromone trails and prevents them from returning.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it directly on the ants, their trails, and potential entry points like windowsills and door frames.
The strong smell of vinegar masks the ants’ scent trails, making navigating and finding food sources difficult. Repeat the process daily until the ant activity subsides.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon and cinnamon oil contain compounds that carpenter ants find unpleasant, making them an effective natural repellent. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the perimeter of your home, focusing on potential entry points and areas where you’ve spotted ants.
Mix the cinnamon essential oil with water in a spray bottle for a more potent solution and apply it directly to ant trails and nests.
The strong aroma will disrupt their pheromone communication and discourage them from returning.
5. Soap & Water Solution
A simple dish soap and water mixture can be a powerful weapon against carpenter ants. Combine one part liquid dish soap with two parts water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray the solution directly on the ants and their trails.
The soap breaks down the ants’ protective outer layer, causing them to suffocate and die.
This method is particularly effective for spot-treating visible ants and eliminating pheromone trails.
6. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a low-toxicity insecticide that kills carpenter ants by damaging their digestive and nervous system. Apply a thin layer of boric acid powder into cracks, crevices, and wall voids where you suspect ant activity.
Exercise caution when handling boric acid, as it can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and always wear gloves and a mask when applying the powder.
7. Cayenne Pepper & Black Pepper
The capsaicin (ref) in cayenne pepper and the piperine in black pepper irritates carpenter ants’ mucous membranes, making them effective natural repellents.
Sprinkle cayenne or black pepper around areas where you’ve seen ant activity, or mix them with boiling water and pour the solution directly on the ant colony.
The spicy compounds in these peppers create an unpleasant environment for the ants, encouraging them to seek shelter elsewhere. To maintain its effectiveness, reapply the pepper or pepper solution as needed.
8. Boiling Water
If you’ve located an outdoor carpenter ant nest, boiling water can be a quick and effective solution.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and pour it directly onto the ant colony. The heat will kill the ants on contact and destroy the nest structure.
Be cautious when handling boiling water to avoid burns, and ensure that the ant colony is not located near any valuable plants or structures that the heat could damage.
9. Neem Oil
Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, has insecticidal properties that can help control carpenter ant populations.
Mix a few drops of neem oil with water and a mild liquid soap in a spray bottle, and apply the solution to areas where you’ve seen ant activity.
The neem oil disrupts the ants’ hormonal systems, preventing them from feeding and reproducing effectively. Repeat the application every few days until the ant problem is resolved.
10. Citrus Oils
Citrus oils, such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit, contain D-limonene, which can kill carpenter ants by disrupting their respiratory systems.
To create a citrus oil spray, mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to ants and their trails.
The fresh citrus scent also acts as a natural repellent, discouraging ants from returning to treated areas. To maintain its effectiveness, reapply the citrus oil solution as needed.
11. Mint
Mint plants and mint essential oils are natural carpenter ant deterrents due to their strong, refreshing scent.
Plant mint around the perimeter of your home or place sachets of dried mint leaves near potential entry points to discourage ants from entering.
You can also create a mint spray by mixing a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to areas where you’ve seen ant activity, and repeat the process as needed.
12. Clove Oil
Clove oil has insecticidal properties that can kill carpenter ants and disrupt pheromone trails.
Mix a few drops of clove essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply the solution directly to ants, their trails, and potential entry points.
The strong aroma of clove oil masks the ants’ scent trails, making navigating and finding food sources difficult. To maintain its effectiveness, reapply the clove oil solution every few days.
13. Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is another natural carpenter ant repellent that can help keep these pests at bay.
Mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to areas where you’ve seen ant activity, focusing on potential entry points and trails.
The citrusy scent of lemongrass oil deters ants from entering your home and disrupts their pheromone communication. Repeat the application as needed to maintain a fresh, ant-repelling aroma.
Preventive Measures
In addition to using natural remedies to eliminate carpenter ants, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to discourage them from returning. Here are some tips to keep your home ant-free:
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home’s exterior to prevent ants from entering.
- Fix leaks and moisture issues, as carpenter ants are attracted to damp wood.
- Keep your home clean and food debris-free, which can attract ants.
- Store firewood and lumber away from your home’s foundation to avoid providing shelter for ant colonies.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.