To get rid of ants,it is necessary in most cases to locate their nest or colony and spray it thoroughly with an insecticide . Carpenter ants do not eat wood the way termites do,but they do chew it and hollow it out to create a nesting spot. They like dampness,so they will often build their nests near a leaky pipe or gutter,or near the bottom of damp,hollowed-out post. For full control,this colony must be located and treated-even if it means ripping some walls open. A professional exterminator should be able to locate and treat the nest.