About getting rid of carpenter ants with a bait that is nontoxic to pets

Question

I have determined that what I am dealing with is in fact carpenter ants. I live in a heavy forested area, and do believe the main colony is out "there". I have a pretty good idea where to start with baits, but need some ideas on nontoxic solutions? I have 2 dogs, the neighborhood has other dogs that come roaming from time to time, and of course other wildlife that I do not want harmed. Ideas?

Answer 1

Perhaps the most economical and effective way to get rid of carpenter ants is by applying boric acid (also known as borax) to their nest sites and surroundings. This natural non-toxic element, mined from below the Mojave Desert in southern California, has a long history of use in exterminating brazen populations of cockroaches, palmetto bugs, waterbugs, silverfish, termites, and, you guessed it, carpenter ants.