Identify the nest and the main trails
Remove food sources and clean up crumbs, grease, and spills
Fix leaks and reduce moisture in wood, walls, and crawl spaces
Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house
Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations
Vacuum visible ants and discard the vacuum contents outside
Use carpenter ant bait stations near trails and entry points
Apply ant dust or non-repellent insecticide to wall voids, cracks, and nesting areas
Treat damp or damaged wood where ants are nesting
Replace or repair rotted, water-damaged wood
Monitor for activity for several weeks and reapply treatments as needed
Contact a licensed pest control professional if the infestation is large or the nest is hard to locate