Carpenter ants in FL would be the same as carpenter ants in other regions of the country. We generally recommend using Termidor SC outdoors around the perimeter of your home. This is labeled to be used every six months outdoors.
What types of bait are you using? We would be happy to make another recommendation if you have been using them for a while.
There is no need to panic. We would recommend using Termidor which is one of the best termiticides on the market and is the treatment of choice with professional companies. For the activity you have inside, you would drill a hole or tear out a piece of sheetrock and treat directly into the wall void with some Termidor in a one gallon sprayer. For the outside treatment, you would apply Termidor around the perimeter of the structure according to the guidelines in our "How To Do A Termite Treatment" article. This is the best way to protect your home.
When apply Termidor SC as a perimeter spray, apply at a rate of 1.5 gallons of solution per 1,000 square feet, using 0.8 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water. You should spray to evenly cover with a low-pressure coarse spray, so you do not need to drench the areas you are treating. Termidor SC should be used in a pressurized sprayer, not in any type of fogging or misting machine. For general perimeter treatments with Termidor SC, see the last two pages of the product label.
Termidor SC may be used outdoors only for spider control, per the product label. We do have a great Spider Control Kit that includes CB-80 Aerosol Insecticide for contact spraying, and Temprid SC, which can be applied indoors as a crack and crevice or spot treatment. This kit also contains glue boards, which are excellent tools for monitoring and for catching stray spiders indoors. Please see our Spider Treatment Article for more information and tips about preventing spider infestations.
Drywood termites are all contained in a piece of wood. They do not go back to the ground like subterranean termites. So if you did a trench with Termidor it will not treat the Dry wood termites. Please see our Drywood Termite Control Page.
Termidor SC can be used to treat carpenter ants in trees or nonstructural wood per the supplemental label here. Please be sure to follow the instructions as listed.
Termidor SC can be applied to the soil topically (1 ft up and 1 ft out directly up against the foundation) and in a trench for termite control. There should not be any harm done to any grass sprayed.
If that expansion joint is the only area of activity and Termidor SC was used for the initial treatment, most professionals would just treat that area of localized activity. It is possible the termites there came from a colony deep under the soil surface where they would not have come into contact with the existing liquid barrier. You would treat the expansion joint similarly to how you would treat the foundation, using 4 gallons of solution per 10 linear feet, applying evenly into drilled holes. Instead of placing the holes all on one side, however, you would drill them in a zig-zag pattern along the expansion joint. Please let us know if you have further questions.
Termidor SC should be applied in a trench and drilled holes to provide a barrier around the structure where the termites can gain access. They travel beneath the soil so this application is necessary for eradication and protection.
Professionals would use a sprayer with a crack and crevice straw or termite injection tip to apply Termidor SC into drywall areas, such as that of the B&G AccuSpray with Termite Injection Tip. Keep in mind that you will only apply Termidor in wall voids where there are active termites. An easier way to spot treat would be with a ready-to-use product that comes with a tube and injection tip such as Termidor Foam. You would drill into the infested wood and apply the product directly into the termite gallery. Please see our Termite Treatment Article for more information.
Unfortunately,Termidor SC is not the best choice for wood boring beetles. Boracare would be the best choice for that. You can also see our article on How to Get Rid of Wood Boring Beetles as well for more information on this topic.
Termidor SC should only be applied to exterior listed areas on the product label. We do recommend that you wear safety gear. We carry a Basic Safety Kit that offers the protection equipment for applications outdoors.
Termidor SC should be applied directly to the soil. It is recommended that you treat around each pier. You will mix at a rate of .80 fl oz. for each gallon of water used. Each 20 oz bottle will make 25 gallons of solution and treats 60 lineal feet of trenching. You could also treat the wood directly with Boracare. You will use a 5:1 ratio. This will last for the life of the wood.
We would also recommend that you check out our Termite Guide. It has very useful information and tips on how to treat and prevent termites.
Termidor SC can be sprayed down 30 days after the Talstar.
Termidor SC may be less effective if became frozen while stored in the garage. For the product to work at its full potential it should be stored at room temperature, away from extreme cold or heat. Please check with the manufacturer if you product smells or looks different than it did when you purchased it. If necessary, you can reach BASF by calling 800-526-1072.
Termidor SC should only be applied outside within 1 foot of a house or other structure that we are trying to protect. You also should not apply Termidor SC near or on edible plants. The supplemental label of this product does allow for treatment of active carpenter ants in landscape timbers: in this case, the Termidor SC finished solution would need to be injected into the wood where the ants are found. A safe option for use around the outside of the raised bed would be to use a bait such as Advance Carpenter Ant Bait Granules.
