IPM Practices > Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve carpenter ant problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment. These guidelines are subject to amendment as changes in technology occur, however they currently represent the preferred approach for managing carpenter ants.

INSPECTION
One important and often time-consuming component of solving carpenter ant problems is finding the nest or nests.
The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. identifies the ant(s) as carpenter ants;
2. obtains pertinent information about the carpenter ant problem from the customer;
3. identifies common signs of infestation;
4. performs indoor inspection including attic and crawl spaces;
5. performs outdoor inspection including roof, decks, utility lines, garage, and potential problem shade trees;
6. draws inspection map indicating areas of carpenter ant activity, suspected nests, and moisture problem areas;
7. Advanced: performs nighttime inspection;
8. Advanced: uses food baits to locate foraging trails;
9. Advanced: uses equipment such as moisture meter, stethoscope, binoculars, and ladder during inspection;
10. Advanced: uses sticky trap insect monitors to pinpoint highest ant activity;
11. Advanced: identifies the species of carpenter ant to determine whether it is a structural or nuisance carpenter ant.

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Carpenter ant problems are almost always associated with conditions that cause excess moisture resulting in water damaged wood. The cultural practices listed below which correct excessive moisture problems are of value in the long-term management of carpenter ant problems. The pest management practitioner may provide these services to correct conditions for a fee or he/she must document to the customer the conditions which need to be corrected to eliminate or to prevent the return of a carpenter ant problem.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, offers to correct, and advises as appropriate:
1. indoor and outdoor moisture problem areas caused by water leaks;
2. clogged gutters for proper drainage of rain, snow, and ice;
3. whether gutter screens should be used to prevent debris from clogging gutters;
4. tree and shrubs that touch structure and hold moisture close to structure;
5. ventilation conditions for attic, foundation, or roof to improve ventilation;
6. whether vapor barrier and/or vent fans in crawl spaces with exposed soil are necessary;
7. cracks and openings that may need caulking, especially around utility wires entering building;
8. stored firewood indoor and outdoors;
9. gaps around bulkhead, chimney, deck, enclosed porch and skylight;
10. stumps close to building;
11. landscape timbers on property;
12. organic mulch around structure;
13. downspout position and splash block;
14. wood to soil contact;
15. vegetation close to buildings that is susceptible to aphids and scale that serve as a food source for carpenter ants;
16. sprinkler systems close to structure to make sure water is directed away from the building foundation;
17. other repairable conducive conditions;
18. Advanced: makes corrections or subcontracts to correct conditions for one or more of the conditions noted above.

TREATMENT
Treatment includes both chemical and non-chemical options. However, the use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless both the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified. Pesticide treatments should be focused on treating the nest or nests.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. uses one of the following:
a. vacuum to remove carpenter ants from nest wherever practical;
b. direct treatments to confirmed nest(s) using desiccating dusts, boric acid or other low-risk pesticides;
c. spot treatments using desiccating dusts, boric acid or other low risk pesticides to areas suspected of harboring carpenter ant parent and/or satellite nest(s);
2. bait(s) after locating and mapping carpenter ant trails and/or nest(s) location(s);
3. avoids perimeter and whole house void treatments with conventional pesticide products;
4. Advanced: avoids indoor treatments with conventional pesticide products or uses crack and crevice or bait application only;
5. Advanced: applies bait(s) at night to take advantage of peak ant activity.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve carpenter ant problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. participates in an educational program, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal /denial
e. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
f. trapping & monitoring
g. vacuuming
h. use of heat/cold as control technique
i. use of lighting in pest control
j. building construction techniques
2. possesses a current copy of an accepted guide to carpenter ant identification and management, such as Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Ants by Stoy A. Hedges;
3. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
4. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association;
5. provides customer with IPM information;
6. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources