Using Boric Acid to Control Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ant Control Methods
Some products for carpenter ant control that are available in stores contain boric acid, an odorless, nonstaining powder that kills ants and other pests. The active mineral in boric acid has herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
In controlling carpenter ants, boric acid can be a dry powder or a liquid insect bait solution that contains a food attractant. Boric acid acts as a stomach poison for carpenter ants and other insects. The dry powder is intended to adhere to an insect’s exoskeleton. The insect would ingest the powder when it grooms its legs to clean off the powder. The powder form of boric acid is injected into crevices and cracks, where it forms a layer of dust. When carpenter ants travel through boric acid dust, borax adheres to their legs. They ingest the poison while grooming, potentially leading to death.
Challenges of Control
However, boric acid bait solutions must be carefully formulated, and there is no guarantee that over-the-counter solutions will kill a colony. If the risk of property damage is severe, consult a pest control professional before treatment.