Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

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.

More Resources

Treatment & Damage

  • Carpenter Ant Bites

  • Finding Carpenter Ant Nests

  • Carpenter Ant Infestation

  • Natural Carpenter Ant Pesticide

  • Boric Acid and Carpenter Ants

Identification

Biology & Anatomy

Resources

Carpenter Ants Home Protection

How to Use Boric Acid to Control Carpenter Ants

Which Bugs Live in Wood? | Wood Boring Insects

Pest Control

Carpenter Ants Pest Control Treatment & Removal Services

Black carpenter ant image

Wood Ants

Carpenter Ant Queens

Finding Carpenter Ant Nests

Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Life Cycle of Carpenter Ants

Natural Carpenter Ant Pesticide

What Does a Carpenter Ant Look Like

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers