need advice re: carpenter ants

western mt -

We definitely have carpenter ants in our home.
I possibly found main nest in a douglas fir, about 1/4 mile away.
We've been using Terra bait traps for a few weeks inside.
There are a few locations where I found them coming in from the walls - under a window, and a door jam, for example.

I found two outdoor areas where they seem to be entering. I cannot find their entry point, only the region. I need to do something of a barrier - to prevent more from coming in.

I am very worried about ecology-effects.
I want to avoid diatomaceous earth - as I don't want to kill other insects.
I'm also worried about effects on a local toad spp (western toad - endangered where i live).
Especially for the outdoor areas, I'm worried about food-net effects of others eating the baited ants - birds, spiders, toads, etc - will they get sick if they eat ants baited with Terra (borax)?
Haven't found research about this - any recs?

For the colony that lives in our home - what should we do? I don't  have a sense of where the nest is. What least-toxic options are there?

thank you!

From Google http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pccarpenterants.htm#:~:text=Carpenter%20ants%20are%20one%20of,a%20threat%20to%20structural%20integrity.
'Carpenter ants are one of the most common household pests in the Midwest. Besides being a nuisance indoors, these ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting space. While carpenter ants do not eat wood, large colonies can be destructive; however, are more of a nuisance than a threat to structural integrity.'

I would try using vinegar to see what happens.

Or used dish water as both work for me on most ants.

i would clean the inside of your house where they have been with vinegar, or mint essential oil in water, or in vinegar-- something stinky to discourage their chemical trail.

outside, in that general area where you think they're coming in.... I would stir up the dirt-- rake it, stomp on it, do whatever you can to harrass them. Dump dishwater, like Anne says. Hose it down. Keep in mind they may move into your house more, so stay on your guard. But harrass them and they'll figure out there is somewhere better to be, and maybe you'll figure out how they're getting in in the process. Hopefully they're coming from that nest you found and they'll decide, after getting whacked around, to go in a different direction (keep an eye on your outbuildings!!).

(I also am not thrilled with borax due to its effect on other animals).