Moisture Reduction

• Inspect the home for any leaking pipes or faucets. Wet wood is attractive to the carpenter ants. Either hire a professional or treat leaks yourself using caulk and plumbers tape. Operational bathroom ventilation fans and clean dryer ducts alleviate moisture. If possible, add vapor barriers in the exterior walls to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood. Clean out rain spouts so water flows properly and does not pool up around the home.
  
  

Wood Protection

• Replace any wet damaged wood as soon as possible. It not only attracts the ants, it is easier for the ants to destroy. Dry wood can be salvaged if it has just a few carpenter ant tunnels. If the wood has multiple holes, or it is thoroughly soaked through, it will have to be replaced. Protect undamaged wood with sealant.
  
  

Yard Treatment

• Place any firewood piles in holders so they stay off the ground. Woodpiles and old, decaying trees are nesting grounds for carpenter ants. They can also access a home through nearby trees, shrubs and bushes. Keep all vegetation a minimum of 2 feet away from exterior walls. For added protection, replace mulch beds near the home with a 2-foot width of gravel. This also makes it easier to see carpenter ants on the ground.
  
  

Nest Removal

• Carpenter ants sometimes travel several hundred feet away from their nest. If you know where the nest is, use a vacuum to suck out the ants. To keep them from being sucked into the vacuum itself, use a rubber band to attach one end of a cut-off leg of pantyhose to the hose attachment. Remove the pantyhose from the vacuum when you're done and discard the ants.