How to Get Rid of Big Black Ants

Locate the nest if you can. Look for small piles of sawdust where the ants may be burrowing, or follow the ants as they forage to see where they go. Carpenter ants are most active at night, so you may want to use a flashlight to track them down.

Apply an insecticide per label instructions once you locate the nest. Insecticides are available in hardware stores and garden centers that specifically target ants. These insecticides may come in the form of a spray, trap or powder.

Correct the problems with your home that may be attracting the big black ants. Some of these problems include leaky pipes or roof or cracks in your foundation. Carpenter ants thrive in moist areas, so if you cannot fix these problems yourself, hire someone who can.

Clean-up areas around the exterior of your home that lure these ants. Mulch spread up against the exterior walls of your home, piles of firewood, leaf debris and branches are all invitations for carpenter ant infestations. Moving these items away from your foundation will help get rid of these insect pests.

Trim any trees or bushes that touch the exterior of your home. These ants will use the branches, tree foliage and bushes as a bridge to get to certain areas of your house. Use a pruning tool to cut the branches a foot or two away from your home's exterior.