Need advice

2087 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Dave The Roofer, Dec 31, 2009

Rodi

Discussion Starter · Jul 2, 2009

We got some carpenter ants in the kitchen. A house inspector told us that part of the fascia (that is covered with aluminum) is rotten and the ants probably come from the rotten wood above, as I see them climbing the wall outside and getting in through a gap in the aluminum soffit. My roof is only 2 years old and is in very good shape.
What is my best solution to avoid ants in the future?
Pest control companies will only spray and dust and will not repair the rotten wood.
1. Replace ALL wooden fascia and soffit and cover it again with aluminum
2. Replace all wooden fascia and soffit and not cover them again
3. Replace only the rotten parts of wood and use the same aluminum cover
4. Any other long lasting solution?

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Ed the Roofer

· #2 · Jul 2, 2009

I have run into those pests in the same situation, where the eaten through rotted fascia boards were covered with an aluminum cladding.

We replaced all of the wood on that side. Then, we not only sprayed some ant poison spray, but also sprikled 1-2 containers of ant poison powder in all of the area, so that any remaining ants would track the poison to their nest.

That seemed to do the trick.

Ed

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Just Bill

· #3 · Jul 2, 2009

One solution, replace the wood with composite or cement trim.

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MJW

· #4 · Jul 2, 2009

A picture would be nice.

Usually it is improper siding or flashing details. Just replacing it won't fix the problem.

To get rid of the ants, remove all of the wood that is wet and let the area dry for a day (at least). Then replace.

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DangerMouse

· #5 · Aug 13, 2009

as i'm framing the new sections of this house, i'm sprinkling boric acid on the sills before i insulate and drywall.
it'll last forever and kills any insects that walk on it. just an fyi

DM

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The Bug Doctor

· #6 · Dec 31, 2009

The problem with C-ants is almost always associated with moisture. Keep it dry and that is the best deterrent.

Unfortunately the boric acid will not last forever. Moisture will eventually cake it up and all you'll have is some extra plaster of sorts or new dust will cover it in time and it will be harmlessly buried.

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Dave The Roofer

· #7 · Dec 31, 2009

Change any wet wood first

Rodi said:
We got some carpenter ants in the kitchen. A house inspector told us that part of the fascia (that is covered with aluminum) is rotten and the ants probably come from the rotten wood above, as I see them climbing the wall outside and getting in through a gap in the aluminum soffit. My roof is only 2 years old and is in very good shape.
What is my best solution to avoid ants in the future?
Pest control companies will only spray and dust and will not repair the rotten wood.
1. Replace ALL wooden fascia and soffit and cover it again with aluminum
2. Replace all wooden fascia and soffit and not cover them again
3. Replace only the rotten parts of wood and use the same aluminum cover
4. Any other long lasting solution?

Hello you will want to change any rotten wood first, and then cover the wood with trim coverage.

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