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Use protein-based boric acid bait for carpenter ants
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What to Do
Mix a small amount of boric acid (under 5% concentration) with peanut butter or canned tuna. Place the mixture in shallow containers near areas of carpenter ant activity — look for frass (fine sawdust-like debris) near baseboards, window sills, or door frames.
Why It Works
Carpenter ants (large, 6-13mm) prefer protein over sugar, so standard sugar baits are often ignored. The protein bait attracts them effectively while the slow-acting boric acid allows workers to carry the poison back to the colony. Carpenter ants nest in moist or damaged wood, so addressing the underlying moisture problem is essential alongside baiting.
Tips
- Carpenter ant nests may be in wall voids, soffits, or rafters — if you cannot locate the colony, call a professional
- Multiple satellite colonies can exist in a single structure
- Always fix the moisture source that attracted them (leaky pipes, water damage)
📅 Created: 2/9/2026, 4:56:03 AM 📌 diy 🔧 Boric acid, peanut butter or canned tuna, shallow containers