Common Ant Species of the Pacific Northwest

There are hundreds of ant species in the U.S., but fortunately residents of Portland and the surrounding areas often only have to deal with one of three species. Identifying the ant species that is invading your house is key to determining the best pest control solution. We’ll give you an outline of these species for your own purposes, but you can also depend on the professionals at PestLock to identify your pest and your best course of action.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are so named because they create tunnels within wood to nest. They don’t eat wood, but they can cause significant structural damage to your home if not identified or addressed. They are typically black in color, and if you can’t spot the ants themselves, you may be able to notice piles of sawdust or insulation from their tunneling or small openings in the wood of windowsills and other areas close to your home’s exterior.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are aptly named for the strong, rotten smell they release when crushed. They are very small, typically under ⅛ inches, and are brown in color. They are attracted to moisture, and you may find them near leaking pipes or heaters.

Moisture Ants

Moisture ants are similar in size to odorous house ants and are dark brown or yellow in color. They can build large, disruptive nests and are attracted to moisture just like their odorous cousins, so you may find nests built near bath tubs, in damp crawlspaces, near leaks in your roof, or near windows.

Preventative Pest Control Tips

Taking steps to prevent an ant infestation can be key to enjoy a pest-free spring. Here are a few tips you can try for yourself:

• Seal holes and cracks around your home
• Fix leaking pipes
• Seal gaps in doors or windows
• Store wood piles and mulch away from the house
• Trim back plants

One thing to keep in mind is that ants are persistent and widespread, and even implementing these preventative steps won’t offer guaranteed protection against an infestation. If you do see signs of ants inside your home, call the experts!

Schedule Your Home Inspection Today

PestLock is proud to be Portland’s Top Rated Local® pest control team, and we’ll do everything we can to eradicate ants or whatever other pests you have encountered quickly and effectively. We know how to target a variety of ant species, including those we mentioned above, and we know how to get to the root of the problem: the colony. Don’t risk food contamination or structural damage with ineffective store-bought pesticides — trust the professionals. Contact PestLock today to schedule your free home inspection!