Look out for these ants in houses in the Pacific Northwest

Ask any professional pest control company and they will say the same thing: The number one household pest in America is the ant. Ants are quite beneficial to have surrounding your house – they aerate the soil and kill off other pests such as termites, bed bugs and flies. 

But there are quite a few ants that can become a nuisance. Whether you live in Portland, Seattle, Olympia or other areas, your home is not immune to an infestation. Learn more here about ants in houses in the Pacific Northwest.

Western Exterminator is your local ant control expert. We understand how to tell different types of ants apart and will help eliminate them from your house. Call us at 800-937-8398 or contact us online to arrange a time for us to visit your home and check out the issue.

The first thing you should know is that ants are prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. The rainy and fairly mild conditions provide a suitable environment for these pests, which need moisture. The following are three types of ants commonly found in houses in this part of the country:

1. Carpenter Ant

These ants are diggers; they actually do not eat wood (like termites). Carpenter ants will burrow in walls, support beams and other important parts of a home or structure. They can be found in porch pillars, roofs, decks, windowsills and wood that is touching the ground. If you believe you have a carpenter ant infestation, reach out to a local pest control company, which can help locate the nest.

Over the course of time, carpenter ants can cause structural harm to homes in the Pacific Northwest, so you need to try to catch them early. Additionally, watch out for rotted wood around your house, as carpenter ants prefer softer wood.

Carpenter ants workers are 1/8 to 1/2 inch in length; the queens are a little larger. They can be black, brown, red or both red and black.

2. Odorous House Ant

Odorous house ants are a problem for many homeowners because of their tendency to split off from the main nest and start a new colony in another location. Homes that become infested with these ants will typically become infested again and again until all food, water and shelter sources have been removed.

Inside, odorous house ants can occupy wall voids. They look for sweets and fruit. When they are outside, they may be located under items like firewood.

Odorous house ants are attracted to moisture, so you may notice them in the kitchen or bathroom if you live in the Pacific Northwest. Workers of this species are around 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length and brown to black in color. They get their name from the odor produced when they are crushed. The population of an odorous house ant colony can number in the thousands.

3. Pavement Ant

Pavement ants prefer to nest beneath stones, under cracks in pavement and next to buildings. In homes, they tend to be found at the lower level. Pavement ants typically enter the home through cracks in the foundation’s concrete. They have an aggressive nature, particularly toward other ants, and frequently invade and colonize seemingly impervious areas. Pavement ants may also be located in kitchens and bathrooms.

Workers of this species range from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length and the queens are a bit bigger. They are colored light brown to black.

Western is the expert on ants in houses

To keep ants out of your Pacific Northwest house, you can take actions like sealing gaps or cracks in the property and trimming tree limbs. You should also throw out your trash often. But when ants actually get inside, it’s best to contact a pest control professional to resolve the problem.

Typically, when ants are spotted in the home, they are merely the tip of the infestation iceberg. Effective pest control for ants often requires the help of a local pest control company to locate and eliminate the nest.

Western Exterminator has a wealth of expertise in ant control. We know how to distinguish between different types of ant species and use the right method to get rid of them. We realize ant infestations can be very bothersome and will work with you to ensure they are gone. Treatment may involve baiting or a liquid application.

If you live in regions like Portland or Seattle and suspect you have an ant infestation, do not hesitate. Get the issue corrected before it becomes worse. Contact Western Exterminator today!