7 Best Carpenter Ant Killers – Most Effective and Long-Lasting

In this article, you’ll find the best carpenter ant killers that are extremely effective and affordable; also, we ranked them according to their types, pros, cons, and price.
By
Phyllis McMahon
Phyllis McMahon
Research Writer
Phyllis teaches English Literature at a local college and loves writing in her free time. She’s also a great cook – her British beef Wellington is something the best res read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Chas Kempf
Chas Kempf
Expert Consultant
Chas works in a professional pest control company and knows all the nuances of this job. Also, he’s a fantastic tennis player and loves to organize BBQ parties for his fam read more
Last updated: August 10, 2023
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There’s no need to panic if you spot a few carpenter ants in your home. However, if the problem persists and their population starts to grow, it’s time to take action and get rid of them for good! In this article, we will discuss the best carpenter ant killers that are currently available on the market.

We also classified them, considering their types and effect. For someone, the spray is more convenient, while for others gel formulas are better and have a longer kill effect. So whether you are looking for an effective but affordable solution or something more expensive with extra features, we have you covered!

Quick Summary

  • "Our top pick has a unique, odorless, non-staining formula that’s designed to kill carpenter ants on contact and keep them away for up to one month. Easy to use – just point and spray."
  • "This professional-grade spray is powerful enough to kill carpenter ants and other pests on contact, yet it’s safe to use around children and pets. EPA-registered."
  • Best Indoor Carpenter Ant Killer: Bayer Max Force Fleet
    "This quick-acting gel is perfect for taking care of ants, roaches, and other unwanted guests in your home. Plus, it comes in a handy 4-pack."
  • Best Outdoor Carpenter Ant Killer: Advance Carpenter Killer
    "This granular formula is perfect for killing carpenter ants and other types of ants. Simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home and around any areas where you see ants traveling. Pet-safe."
  • Best Carpenter Ant for Trees: Bonide BND568 Carpenter Killer
    "It provides a dual-effect defense against different pests, like spiders, roaches, and earwigs. Can be used in the garden to protect plants. Long-lasting formula offers 5 years of protection."
  • Best Attracting Formula: Syngenta TRTD11568
    "This unique gel formula is perfect for targeting and eliminating a variety of pests, including (but not limited to) ants, roaches, and spiders. Keeping your home or office free of insects."
  • Best Ant Trap for Carpenter Ants: Bonide Chemical 45100
    "Our honeydew-flavored bait is sure to kill any critter that dares take a bite. Plus, it comes in a handy 3-pack, so you can keep one at home, one at work, and one in your purse for on-the-go protection."

Top 7 Carpenter Ant Killers Reviews 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9250 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Type: spray
  • Volume: 16 oz. (2 packs)
  • Killing Effect: up to 1 month

More features: odorless, non-staining formula

The Terro T1901SR Carpenter Ant Killer is our Editor’s Choice due to its fast-ective formula. This powerful spray comes in a 16 oz. size and is designed to kill carpenter ants on contact. It also features an odorless, non-staining formula that will keep your home looking clean and fresh. Plus, the killing effect lasts up to one month, so you can rest assured that your ant problem will be taken care of.

Our selection for Best Ant Traps for Carpenter Ants from Bonide Chemical is a great option when you want to be proactive. But when you need a direct approach to handle the problem immediately, that simply won’t do. That’s where this spray sets itself apart. You spray as needed and instantly kill the pests you’re trying to avoid.

    What stands out?
  • Pack of 2 bottle
  • Kills not only carpenter ants, but also, termites, carpenter bees, wood wasps
  • Long-lasting effect for up to 1 month
  • Leaves no scent
  • Broad and precision nozzle application
  • Made in USA
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Some users noted that it’s not really safe for pets
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7705 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Type: spray
  • Volume: 128 oz.
  • Killing Effect: up to 1 month

More features: odorless, non-staining, EPA-registered

Looking for an ant killer that will take care of your problem for good? Look no further than Harris Carpenter Ant Killer. This powerful spray will kill carpenter ants on contact and keep them away for up to one month. Plus, it’s odorless and non-staining, so you can use it indoors without any worries. EPA-registered and backed by a satisfaction guarantee, Harris Carpenter Ant Killer is the perfect solution to your ant problem.

Our Editor’s Pick  from Terbo is a really great choice for direct contact, and it works will to instantly kill the ants and termites on contact. However, it’s designed to handle a small area at one time, rather than treating a large space. This spray handles a large area and doesn’t use harsh chemicals that might aggravate you.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Doesn’t leave unpleasant scent or stains
  • Keeps killing for 1 month
  • EPA-registered
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Made in USA
  • Large volume
  • Trigger spray included
    What could be better?
  • It’s better to use a face mask when using it
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2353 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
3
Best Indoor Carpenter Ant Killer

Bayer Max Force Fleet

Features
  • Type: gel
  • Volume: 0.95 oz. (4 pieces)
  • Killing Effect: not specified

More features: fast acting

This mighty gel comes in a pack of four 0.95 oz. tubes, and is guaranteed to take down even the most stubborn pests. Plus, with its quick-acting formula, you’ll see results in no time flat! So don’t waste another minute struggling with pesky insects – grab a pack of Bayer Max Force Fleet today and get back to enjoying your life bug-free!

Traps like the product you see in Best Ant Traps for Carpenter Ants from Bonide sometimes aren’t attractive or appealing to those who see them. If your ant problem is on a countertop, it might not be ideal to use this type of trap. That’s where this gel stands out from your typical trap solution. It sets up as a thick gel with no gawdy trap and it cleans up easily.

    What makes it special?
  • Pack of 4 reservoirs
  • Kills carpenter and argentine ants
  • Fast-acting formula
  • Contains fipronil to destroy the colony
  • Made in USA
    What cons did we find?
  • A bit pricy
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4965 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
4
Best Outdoor Carpenter Ant Killer

Advance Carpenter Killer

Features
  • Type: granular
  • Volume: 8 oz.
  • Kill Effect: not specified

More features: pet-safe

This powerful granular formula is designed specifically to target carpenter ants and kill them on contact. Plus, it’s safe to use around pets, so you can rest assured that your furry friends are not in danger. Don’t let carpenter ants ruin your summer fun – grab a bottle of Advance Carpenter Killer today and take back your yard!

Our Premium Pick from Harris is a really great choice for large areas, much like this choice. However, you will notice that the premium pick version has to be sprayed and self-applied. You don’t know how well or how long it works after it dries. This granular version covers a large space and is shown to be long-lasting.

    What are its best features?
  • Can be used inside and outside house
  • Slow-acting formula provide killing the colony
  • Great volume
    What could be improved?
  • Some customers complained that it’s not effective for tiny, young ants
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3067 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
5
Best Carpenter Ant for Trees

Bonide BND568 Carpenter Killer

Features
  • Type: concentrate
  • Volume: 32 oz.
  • Kill Effect: up to 5 years

More features: dual-effect defense

The Bonide BND568 Carpenter Killer is a powerful concentrate that provides up to 5 years of kill effect, making it a great value for your money. It features a dual-effect defense against carpenter ants and other pests, so you can rest assured that your home is protected. And with its easy-to-use 32 oz. bottle, you can quickly and easily apply it where you need it most. So don’t wait any longer, get rid of those carpenter ants for good with Bonide BND568 Carpenter Killer!

Our Best Outdoor Carpenter Ant Killer pick from Advance is really great for killing carpenter ants specifically. However, it is somewhat limited if you want the ability to treat multiple pests at one time. This concentrate solution is applied similarly but it has the ability to handle ants, termites, and other annoying pests that can invade your home.

    What are its best features?
  • Large size
  • Kills both carpenter ants and termite
  • Designed for use on home lawns, flower and vegetable gardens, fruit, trees, different surfaces
  • Treatment lasts up to 5 years
  • Dual-action effect provide immediate and afterwards killing
    What could be improved?
  • Requires sprinkler or sprayer to use this concentrate
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8115 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
6
Best Attracting Formula

Syngenta TRTD11568

Features
  • Type: gel
  • Volume: 1.06 oz. (4 pieces)
  • Kill Effect: not specified

More features: odorless

Introducing the Syngenta TRTD11568 gel which is sure to take care of any infestation, and with four pieces in each volume, you’ll have plenty to keep your home or office pest-free. And best of all, it’s completely odorless, so you can use it without worry of pesky chemical smells. So why wait? Pick up your own bottle of Syngenta TRTD11568 today!

Our Best Indoor Carpenter Ant Killer pick from Bayer is very similar to this particular choice. They both use the gel treatment. This particular option can handle a few more categories of ants than the initial option from Bayer that we shared. It also can cover some additional pests and is designed to use on a discovered colony location.

    What stands out?
  • Convenient and efficient format
  • Pack of 4 syringes
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Active ingredients kill throughout the colony
  • Remains palatable for at least 14 days
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Kills carpenter ants not immediately but forever
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6984 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.8
7
Best Ant Trap for Carpenter Ants

Bonide Chemical 45100

Features
  • Type: bait
  • Volume: 2.25 oz. (3 pieces)
  • Kill Effect: not specified

More features: honeydew formula

Looking for an effective way to get rid of those pesky pests? Look no further than Bonide Chemical 45100! This powerful bait will take care of business quickly and efficiently. And with its honeydew formula, it’s sure to lure them in and keep them coming back for more. So don’t waste any more time with those ineffective spray cans or traps. Get your hands on some Bonide Chemical 45100 today and be pest-free in no time!

Using options like the sprays from our Editor’s Pick and Premium Pick are useful for treating specific areas or even large areas. However, they don’t do much about simply being proactive or preventing harmful chemicals in your home. These traps take an entirely different approach to trapping pests and they are quite effective.

    What do we love it for?
  • Pre-filled traps
  • Package of 3 baits
  • Perfect for outdoor and indoor use
  • No fumes and no chemicals
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Complete success only after 2-3 weeks

Things to Consider

The best carpenter ant killer should be effective against the entire colony and have a long-lasting effect. It should also be safe to use around children and pets. So let’s consider all these factors and their importance.

What Are Carpenter Ants?

7 Best Carpenter Ant Killers – Most Effective and Long-Lasting
The black carpenter ant nests typically in logs, stumps, and hollow trees.

Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants that invade households. They get their name from their habit of hollowing out wood to build their nests. Carpenter ants are attracted to homes and other buildings because they offer a food source and a suitable nesting site. Worker ants forage for food and bring it back to the colony, while reproductive (males and females) mate and produce new generations of ants. Queen ants are responsible for laying eggs and keeping the colony alive. If the queen ant dies, the colony will eventually die out.

Carpenter ants are black or red and range in size from ⅛ to ¼ inch long. Their bodies are divided into three sections: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. Carpenter ants have a pair of bent antennae and large mandibles (jaws) that they use to chew through wood.

While carpenter ants do not sting, they can bite if they feel threatened. Their bites are not poisonous but can be painful.

Carpenter ants are most active at night and are attracted to sweet foods. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they have easy access to water.

Carpenter ants are not dangerous to humans but can cause extensive damage to buildings. Left unchecked, carpenter ants will continue to chew through wood, weakening the structure of a building over time.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

There are several signs that you may have a carpenter ant problem:

  • You see carpenter ants in your home.
  • You hear a rustling sound in your walls or ceiling. This is the sound of the ants chewing through wood.
  • You see piles of wood shavings near baseboards, windows, or doors.
  • You see carpenter ants swarm near a light source at night.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action and get rid of the carpenter ants before they cause any more damage.

Important Features

When choosing a carpenter ant killer, there are several important things to keep in mind not to waste your money and time.

Type of a Carpenter Killer

7 Best Carpenter Ant Killers – Most Effective and Long-Lasting
When properly used, baits are more effective and safer than sprays. Still, sprays are great for outdoor use.

The first thing you need to decide is what type of ant killer you want to use. There are three main types of carpenter ant killers: baits, traps, and sprays.

  • Baits are slow-acting but effective against the entire colony. They work by attracting worker ants into the bait station, where they feed on the poison and then carry it back to the nest. This type of ant killer is best for large infestations.
  • Traps are quick-acting but only kill the ants that come into contact with them. They work by luring ants into the trap with a sweet bait, where they get stuck and die. This type of ant killer is best for small infestations.
  • Sprays are quick-acting and effective against the entire colony. They work by killing the ants on contact and also leaving a residue that kills ants that come into contact with it. This type of ant killer is best for moderate infestations.

Place of Use

Another important thing to consider is where you will be using the ant killer. If you need to use it indoors, make sure to choose an ant killer that is safe for indoor use. Some ant killers are only for outdoor use and can be harmful if used indoors.

Safety

If you have pets or children, make sure to choose an ant killer that is safe for them. Some ant killers contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to people and animals if they come into contact with them.

Effectiveness and Versatility

The best carpenter ant killer will be effective against the entire colony and have a long-lasting effect. It should also be safe to use around children and pets.

Some carpenter ant killers are also effective against other pests, such as termites and cockroaches. If you have a problem with multiple pests, choose an ant killer that is versatile and can be used for multiple types of pests.

Active Ingredient

The next thing you need to consider is the active ingredient in the ant killer. The most common active ingredients are boric acid, pyrethrin, and permethrin.

Boric acid is a natural substance that is safe to use around children and pets. It works by causing dehydration in insects, which leads to death. Boric acid is slow-acting but effective against carpenter ants and other household pests.

Pyrethrin is a natural substance that is derived from chrysanthemums. It works by causing paralysis in insects, which leads to death. Pyrethrin is fast-acting but does not have a long residual effect.

Permethrin is a synthetic substance that is safe to use around children and pets. It works by causing paralysis in insects, which leads to death. Permethrin is fast-acting and has a long residual effect.

So check the package before purchasing to get the product that will definitely help you get rid of carpenter ants.

Size of Infestation

The next thing you need to consider is the size of the infestation. If you have a small infestation, you can get away with using a trap or spray. If you have a large infestation, you will need to use a bait or spray.

Price

Carpenter ant killers range in price from $10 to $50. The type of ant killer, the size of the infestation, and the brand all affect the price.

The best way to save money on a carpenter ant killer is to buy one that is effective against multiple types of pests. This way, you can use it for other pests that may invade your home in the future.

How to Control Carpenter Ants: Tips

There are several things you can do to control carpenter ants:

  • Seal up cracks and crevices around your home to prevent ants from getting inside.
  • Remove food sources that attract ants, such as sweet foods, crumbs, and spills.
  • Repair any water leaks in your home to prevent ants from having a water source.
  • Keep your home clean and clutter-free to make it less inviting for ants.
  • Use a carpenter ant killer to get rid of the ants that are already in your home.

Homemade Carpenter Ant Killers: DIY

If you want to avoid using toxic chemicals in your home, there are several homemade carpenter ant killers that you can make:

  • Mix equal parts sugar and borax together and place it in a jar lid. Place the lid where you see ants and they will be attracted to the sugar and take the borax back to their nest, which will kill them.
  • Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar together and place them in a jar lid. Place the lid where you see ants and they will be attracted to the sugar and take the baking soda back to their nest, which will kill them.
  • Soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them where you see ants. The vinegar will kill the ants on contact.

The best carpenter ant killer for your home depends on the size of your infestation, what type of ant killer you are comfortable using, and your budget. Choose an ant killer that is effective against the entire colony and has a long-lasting effect for best results.

If your home is infested by fire ants or you have pets, you definitely need a powerful and safe remedy. For this purpose, we’ve prepared the best fire ant killers and best pet-safe ant killers to make your choice easier.

FAQ

Can carpenter ants damage my home?

Carpenter ants can damage your home by hollowing out wood to build their nests. This can weaken the structure of your home and create openings for other pests to enter. If you have carpenter ants in your home, it’s important to choose the best carpenter ant killer to get rid of the entire colony. Consider the type of ant killer, the size of the infestation, and the price when choosing an ant killer.
Apart from carpenter ants, there may appear roaches, so check out the guide to the best roach killers to get rid of these pesky pests.

How long do carpenter ants live?

Carpenter ants can live for up to six years. However, the average lifespan of a carpenter ant is two to three years. Worker ants typically live for one to two years, while reproductives can live for up to six years. Queen ants have the longest lifespan of all, with some queens living for 15 years or more. However, the queen’s lifespan is heavily dependent on the colony she belongs to. If the colony is large and well-established, the queen will likely live longer. If the colony is small or under stress, the queen’s lifespan will be shorter.

Does regular ant bait kill carpenter ants?

No, regular ant bait will not kill carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are attracted to sweet foods, so regular ant bait is not effective against them. You need to use a carpenter ant killer that contains boric acid or sodium borate. These substances are effective against carpenter ants and other household pests. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use. If you have any questions, contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Verdict

We’ve compiled a list of the most effective and long-lasting products that will help you get rid of these pesky creatures for good. From baits to sprays, we’ve got all the bases covered so now you can easily choose one of the best carpenter ant killers for your needs.

The Terro T1901SR Carpenter Ant Killer, which stands for our Editor’s Choice, has a killing effect that lasts up to one month, so you can rest assured that your home will be protected from these pesky pests. And with its odorless, non-staining formula, it is also safe to use around your family and pets.

Our Premium Pick, the Harris Carpenter Ant Killer is designed to kill carpenter ants on contact and keep them from coming back for up to one month. Plus, it’s EPA-registered and odorless.

And one of the best carpenter ant killers is another pick, nominated as the Best Ant Trap for Carpenter Ants, the Bonide Chemical 45100. This superior bait comes in a honeydew formula that is irresistible to rodents.

So, what are you waiting for? Get rid of those carpenter ants once and for all with our top-rated products!

References

1.
Carpenter ants | UMN Extension
Identification and control of carpenter ants in and around the home.
2.
Biology and Management of Carpenter Ants | UGA Cooperative Extension
Carpenter ants are so-called because of their habit of chewing wood to create nest sites. They do not eat wood, like termites, but they excavate it with their strong, saw-like jaws to create random galleries where they nest. Carpenter ants are also a nuisance because of their abundance and large size.
3.
Pyrethroid Insecticides
Pyrethroids are chemicals that kill insects, including mosquitoes.
9,8
Total Score
Terro T1901SR Carpenter Ant Killer - Editor’s Choice
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