Article: Moisture is a big factor in carpenter ant infestations. Often, a patch of wood will become susceptible to infestation after it's been exposed to moisture. By fixing or sealing any leaks that allow water into your house, you can make it much more difficult for carpenter ants to nest. Below are a few suggestions for eliminating the moisture that can contribute to carpenter ant infestations: Check around windows for signs of an improper seal Check your roof and weather-facing walls for leaks Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well-ventilated Look for and fix leaky pipes Clean clogged gutters to eliminate runoff water If carpenter ants can no longer get in and out your house, any indoor satellite colonies that are being fed by larger outside colonies will become isolated and may die off. Inspect the outside of your home for cracks, holes, and other small spaces that allow the passage of ants - pay special attention to the areas of exterior walls that are closest to the ground or foundation. Seal any holes you find with caulk or a strong putty. Also check around the points where water and electrical lines enter your home, as these points are extra vulnerable to ant infestation. Because carpenter ants like to make their nests in wood both inside and outside of buildings, finding and eliminating infested wood outside your wood can keep ants from making their way into your house. Carefully inspect any sources of wood near your home - if infested, move or carefully dispose of these wood sources. Places to look include: Stumps Firewood piles Old trees, especially if their branches touch your house. Piles of yard waste If carpenter ants are a recurring problem, you may want to think about installing a small strip of gravel or stones around your home. This "barrier" zone is fairly inhospitable to carpenter ants and may discourage them from crawling into your house through holes near the foundation. Consult with a contractor to discuss the practicality and affordability of such a project at your house, or, if you're particularly handy, tackle this home improvement project yourself.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Eliminate sources of moisture. Seal up entry points, cracks and crevices. Eliminate wood materials near your home. Consider installing an artificial barrier.