If a carpenter ant colony is found outside but causing problems inside a building, what should the client be advised to do?

Advising the client to trim trees where branches overhang or touch roofs is a proactive measure in managing a carpenter ant colony that has been identified as problematic inside a building but originating from the exterior. Carpenter ants often gain access to structures through these branches since they can bridge the gap between trees and buildings.

By trimming back these branches, the client can significantly reduce the likelihood of the ants finding a direct pathway into the structure. This step not only helps in minimizing future infestations but also disrupts the colony's access to food sources and nesting sites that might be near the building.

It's important to note that while other options may seem like immediate solutions, they could potentially exacerbate the situation. For instance, using insecticidal sprays indoors could address the visible ants temporarily but would not resolve the underlying issue of their access point from outside. Leaving entryways open invites more pests, and placing traps inside may help catch some individual ants but does not eliminate the source of the problem. Therefore, trimming back trees is a strategic and effective approach to prevent the carpenter ants from continuing to invade the interior of the building.