Tips For Ant Control in Wisconsin

Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation

• The very noticeable swarms of winged carpenter ants in the early spring signal the arrival of this species. Once the carpenter ant has established itself on a property, small piles of frass or sawdust will be evident around the house and out buildings. The ants, which are large and principally black, will be observed both indoors and in the garden. The activities of the carpenter ants can be heard inside the walls, provided it is quiet enough.

Carpenter Ant Control

• Discouraging these ants from showing interest in the house and additional structures is the best form of control. Ensuring no damp wood exists in the building is an important control measure, as carpenter ants actively seek out water-damaged wood. Once carpenter ants have gained access to a building, their nests must be treated with an insecticide. Although it is important to spray into the nest, this is often easier said than done, as the entry point to most nests is normally some distance from the actual nest. In addition to a parent colony, the ants will have numerous satellite nests as well.

Additional Control Methods for Carpenter Ants

• It is important to remove all potential nest sites, particularly those that are against or close to the house. All firewood must be stored as far as possible from the home and dead wood must be removed from the foundations. Dead tree limbs must be trimmed off and any rotting stumps must be dragged away. It is equally important to direct water from rain gutters away from the house and to ensure that all roof and plumbing leaks are sealed.

Pavement Ant Control

• The nests of this species of ant is normally found in the soil, under slabs and stones. Pavement ant colonies can invariably be controlled by using ant bait, which is administered directly into the nests in the soil. Cracks and holes in the exterior of a home should be sealed and vegetation should be cut away from the foundation of any buildings. Items such as stones and landscape timbers should not be used next to the foundations of any structure and mulch in flower beds should be less than 2 inches thick. Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from any foundations.