damn carpenter ants

[midnight armadillo]

They're invading. We had the house treated for 'em recently but it looks like they've regrouped. Well, it's clearly time for me to clear out vegetation that's touching the house...which means some 40 year old rhododendrons get the ax. Sorry plants, but it's you or the house and I can't live under a rhododendron. Nor can I eat them - this will also clear room for our garden next spring.

[knowbody0]

1. I live near a lush forest

whenever it is disturbed by chainsaws and bulldozers a procession of carpenter ants become disoriented and appear in and near my home. I ask them to leave and they do. I do not use poisons or any exterminator solutions. I have been here for twenty years and recently had a home inspection. no ants, no ant damage. they are attracted to sweets, do you have any fruit trees?

[midnight armadillo]

2. fruit trees? yes.

Hackberry - I have a few. The problem is wet wood, since the yard and house is heavily shaded and there's lots of moisture. The bushes and tree branches up against the house encourage the ants to explore. I think once the bushes are gone and a key tree is removed (it's nearly leaning against the house) the ant problem should greatly recede. The exterminator only sprays up near the top of the foundation of the house outside, so there's no widespread poisons being used. I really don't care for that solution either but I can't afford to deal with a major ant infestation. At some point we'll trim the trees more too and with extra sunshine the ants should go somewhere else.

[knowbody0]

3. good luck

yeah, no foilage should touch the house for sure.