Carpenter Ants

• Carpenter ants commonly build indoor colonies in wall voids, attics, and water-damaged or rotting structural wood
• Common outdoor colonies are found in sheds, firewood, deck woods, tree trunks, gutters, and soffits
• Look for ants going in and out of a hole with small bits of sawdust around the opening – this is a sign that the colony is nearby

When seen indoors, they are looking for:

• Food in the form of insects which is their main diet
• Moisture found in and around the sink, shower, leaky pipes, and spills - these are ideal locations for building new, indoor colonies

Carpenter ants can enter the home:

• Via a tree branch or utility lines that are touching part of the home
• Through cracks in the foundation, gaps, or openings around windows and doors
• On firewood brought inside to burn

• The presence of carpenter ants can be a sign of water or moisture problems in your roof, gutters, porch, deck, floors, or walls
• Large colonies that are left untreated can be as destructive to homes as termites

• Search for leaks in and around areas where you see these ants. These leaks/moist areas will need to be repaired/corrected
• Remove limbs/shrubs that touch the house, particularly the roof – ants use these contact points to gain access
• Remove stumps and dying trees within 15 metres of the house/garage – these are perfect spots for new colonies to start
• Store firewood off the bare ground and away from the house
• Consider using inorganic mulches (stone, gravels) in areas where you have had problems with ants, or where ground moisture is a re-occurring problem
• Inspect older trees carefully for signs of outdoor colonies