Diatomaceous Earth For Carpenter Ants

Did you know that diatomaceous earth is a great way to kill carpenter ants, and other pests? And it’s pretty easy to apply once you learn how to use it on any part of your property. In this article, we’re going to explore the effective use of a natural, non-toxic substance for killing carpenter ants. The substance is called diatomaceous earth and it’s made from diatoms, microscopic aquatic organisms similar to plants. Diatomaceous earth has been used by humans for over 100 years and is commonly used as an insecticide and anti-fungal agent. Carpenter ants are large black ants with orange-tipped antennae. Carpenter ant workers are about 1/4 inch long. They have elongated and very heavy bodies, with the thorax being wider than the abdomen. Carpenter ants can be a destructive, but they do have one big weakness. That weakness is an overabundance of food. Finding food is easy for them, since they can eat just about anything. Once they find that food, they will quickly expand their colonies by moving out to new habitat and reproducing several fertile eggs. Carpenter ants might seem like they are big bugs, but they actually measure around 1/8 inch long and have a black body. They have antennae that have a slight club at the end of them and strong jaws. They usually prefer to live inside of a house and not go outside for foraging. Their diet is made up of wood, but also like to eat other insects.

Diatomaceous Earth For Carpenter Ants

Introduction

There’s nothing like watching the slow, steady progression of a diatomaceous earth trail along your home’s foundation to make you feel as if you’ve got this carpenter ant problem under control. After all, if ants can’t resist the lure of DE, then surely you’re in the clear. But is that really true? And how do you apply diatomaceous earth in a way that will actually work to get rid of carpenter ants? In this article, we’ll explain why DE is so effective against these ants and show you how to use it properly so that it will keep them out of your house for good.

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective way to kill carpenter ants.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide that kills carpenter ants. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic single-celled algae. Diatoms were once a dominant form of life on earth, but now only live in marine environments and in freshwater ponds and lakes.

Diatomaceous earth consists mostly of silica, which is a chemical compound that forms glass when it hardens into rock. Silica can also appear in nature in other compounds such as quartz or flint (which makes up certain types of rocks).

One interesting fact about DE is that it works by dehydrating insects by absorbing their bodily fluids until they die! This means diatomaceous earth isn’t toxic to humans or animals either!

It’s important to know how to use diatomaceous earth in order to get rid of the ants.

It’s important to know how to use diatomaceous earth in order to get rid of the ants. In most cases, you will sprinkle DE around your home and then mix it into the dirt outside to prevent carpenter ants from returning.

You should make sure that your family doesn’t come in contact with any remaining powder after using it on surfaces in your home because it could be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Be sure not to disturb the area where you applied DE for at least a week after application so that all of its benefits can take effect.

Although diatomaceous earth is an effective way of getting rid of these pests, there are some other things you can do as well:

  • Keep food items stored in sealed containers so that there are fewer places for carpenter ants or other insects such as termites and roaches to hide from predators like mice or rats (which may carry diseases).
  • If possible, store dry foods like grains away from moist areas such as basements since this makes them more attractive places for these organisms

How do you apply diatomaceous earth?

  • Use a dust mask
  • Use plastic to scoop and apply diatomaceous earth
  • Wear gloves while applying diatomaceous earth
  • Use a funnel to transfer diatomaceous earth into a spray bottle, watering can or hose. You can also apply it directly from the bag it comes in. This will help you avoid breathing in too much of it yourself.
  • If you are using a watering can or hose, make sure to wear gloves because touching the substance with your hands will cause irritation if you don’t wash them thoroughly afterwards.

You may also want to wear eye protection when applying the product so that particles cannot get into your eyes and cause irritation there as well.

Where should you apply it?

If you have carpenter ants, you can apply DE to the areas of your home where you have seen them and likely areas where they might be. You can also use it in the garden and around trees.

This is how to apply DE:

How long will it take for DE to work?

The time it takes for DE to work depends on a lot of factors. The main ones are:

  • number of ants – DE only kills ants that walk over it, so if you have a small infestation (fewer than 10 or 20), you may not need to use the whole bag.
  • amount of DE used – the more DE you spread around, the faster your ant problem will go away. This is because more diatomaceous earth means more are exposed to it and die off quicker!
  • moisture content of your environment – if there is too much moisture in your area (like in between floors or walls), then they will bring that moisture back into their nests as well which can lead to mold growth and cause other issues down the road if left unchecked — those are not good situations when trying NOT kill them! So make sure those areas are dry before applying any kind of insecticide treatment like this one here today 🙂

Can DE harm my family or pets?

The short answer is no. DE is not harmful to humans or animals. It is a food grade product that has been used in the United States since 1824. It has been approved by the EPA as an inert ingredient and deemed safe to be used in foods and drugs. In fact, it’s even safe for use around pets!

What else can I do to keep carpenter ants out of my home?

To keep carpenter ants out of your home, it’s important to take care of the following:

  • Keep food and water sources away from the house.
  • Keep wood piles away from the house.
  • Keep firewood away from the house.
  • Keep grass and leaves away from the house.
  • Keep your home clean and dry (don’t leave dirty dishes on top of cupboards).
  • Make sure that no moisture is trapped inside walls or ceilings (make sure that gutters don’t get clogged with leaves).

It’s also recommended that you have an exterminator come by once a year to treat for pests inside homes that have been infested with carpenter ants in past years.”

Getting rid of carpenter ants can be difficult, but DE is a safe, effective method that doesn’t require a lot of work or chemicals.

In addition to being safe and effective, DE is also a natural product. It is made from the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton—basically, it’s an ancient form of chalk that has been ground into powder. DE is safe as long as you don’t take in large quantities (more than two tablespoons daily), but even if you do consume too much, you’ll just experience stomach cramps and diarrhea.

DE can be used in a variety of ways to get rid of Carpenter ants:

  • Sprinkle it around entrances to your home—the fine dust will stick to the ants’ bodies and kill them when they groom their antennae later on
  • Put some into small containers and place them near any ant activity you see around your house; this will give them nowhere else to go but back outside through where they entered

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have carpenter ants in your home and need to get rid of them as quickly as possible, you should consider using diatomaceous earth. DE is a safe, effective way to kill these pests in just a few days time without having to use any harsh chemicals or pesticides that could harm your family or pets. You can buy it online here at our store for only $4 per pound with free shipping (just select the “free shipping” option when checking out). This item also includes instructions on how to use DE for killing carpenter ants.

HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 10lb with Powder Duster Included in The Bag
Price : $36.29
Features :

  • Natural Product – Composed of 10lbs of 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth with absolutely no additives or fillers.
  • OMRI Listed – Listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute, a non-profit organization that reviews products against organic standards.
  • Powder Duster Included – Powder duster in the bag for easy and efficient application of diatomaceous earth on animal feed
  • Supports a Great Cause – Harris donates 10% of profits to support the local Etowah Valley Humane Society.
  • Made in the USA – Mined in Nevada and packaged in Georgia

Additional Info :

Color Green
Item Dimensions
Height 16 Inches
Width 7 Inches
Length 13.5 Inches
Weight 10 Pounds
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Ant Killer, 2lb Powder with Duster Applicator Included Inside The Bag
Price : $16.99
Features :

  • Kills Quickly – Kills ants, and a variety of other insects including roaches, fleas and bed bugs within 48 hours of contact
  • Powder Duster Included – Includes powder duster for easy surface application or deep into cracks and crevices
  • No Fillers or Additives – Composed of 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth mined in Nevada and packaged in Georgia
  • Long Lasting – Diatomaceous Earth remains effective indefinitely as long as it’s kept dry
  • Satisfaction Guarantee – If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us and we will issue a refund

Additional Info :

HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer, 4lb with Powder Duster Included Inside The Bag
Price : $21.99 ($0.34 / Ounce)
Features :

  • Kills a Variety of Insects – Kills roaches, fleas, ants, bed bugs, and more
  • Powder Duster Included – Includes powder duster for easy surface application or deep into cracks and crevices
  • No Fillers or Additives – Composed of 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth mined in Nevada and packaged in Georgia
  • Long Lasting – Diatomaceous Earth remains effective indefinitely as long as it’s kept dry
  • Satisfaction Guarantee – If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us and we will issue a refund

Additional Info :

Garden Safe 93186 Insect Killer, 1-count
Price : $9.98
Features :

  • Contains DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: apply this fine dust with a hand duster or squeeze bottle
  • Controls crawling insects: kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, beetles and other listed insects
  • Kills by contact: kills listed insects by contact
  • Use indoors & outdoors: apply a thin layer of dust to areas where crawling insects live and hide
  • USE AS NEEDED: Dust insects directly if possible; reapply when dust is no longer present and if insects are observed
  • Garden safe diatomaceous earth
  • Long-lasting control
  • Kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, beetles and other crawling insects
  • Kills within 24 hours of contact
  • This product comes in 4-pound

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 1 Inches
Width 1 Inches
Length 1 Inches
Weight 2.155 Pounds
Safer Brand 51703 OMRI Listed Diatomaceous Earth - Ant, Roach, Bedbug, Flea, Silverfish, Earwig, & Crawling Insect Killer
Price : $9.47 ($0.14 / Ounce)
Features :

  • Say Goodbye to Bugs – Kills a variety crawling insects including roaches, ants, fleas, silverfish, earwigs, bedbugs, and more
  • Attracts and Kills – Made from diatomaceous earth and selected baits, this powder causes insects to dehydrate and die within 48 hours after contact
  • Mechanical Killer – Unlike many traditional chemical insecticides, insects cannot build an immunity to diatomaceous earth
  • Use Where Insects Hide – DE can be used indoors or outdoors. Apply in cracks and crevices, along baseboards, or create a barrier around entry points
  • Peace of Mind – This powder is OMRI Listed and compliant for use in organic gardening so you can use it without worry

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 4.2 Inches
Width 10.8 Inches
Length 15.6 Inches
Weight 4.2 Pounds

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