So, you got rid of the carpenter ants once, but now they’re back. Why does this happen? The truth is that eliminating visible ants isn’t always enough. If you don’t eliminate the entire colony, they’ll just rebuild their nest—sometimes in a completely different part of your home.
Carpenter ants establish multiple satellite nests, making them particularly tricky to eliminate. A single treatment may kill the workers you see, but the queen remains safe in a hidden nest, continuing to reproduce. Without targeting all nests, the problem persists.
Common Reasons Carpenter Ants Return
- Moisture Problems: Leaky pipes, humid basements, and water-damaged wood attract carpenter ants.
- Improper Treatment: Using the wrong bait or insecticide can fail to eradicate the colony.
- Untreated Satellite Nests: Killing only part of the colony won’t resolve the issue.
- Structural Vulnerabilities: Gaps in walls, cracks in the foundation, and unsealed entry points allow ants to re-enter.
Preventative Measures
- Fix leaks and moisture issues: Repair any plumbing leaks and improve ventilation to reduce humidity.
- Seal entry points: Close cracks around windows, doors, and utility pipes.
- Store firewood away from the house: Keep wood piles at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground.
- Eliminate food sources: Clean up crumbs and store food in sealed containers.
But prevention is only part of the solution. If you have a recurring infestation, you need a more thorough approach.
(Find out the key steps to truly eliminate these pests and keep them from coming back for good.)