Identifying Common Ant Types

There are more than 10,000 trillion ants in the world. In its long form, that’s 10,000,000,000,000,000. That’s a lot of ants! In the Pacific Northwest, there are a few common varieties of ants that swarm in our lands and try to invade our homes. Today, we’ll look at identifying factors of the ants you may see near your home or business. To avoid an ant infestation in your home, be sure to sweep and vacuum your home regularly, eliminate all moisture and leaks, and secure entry points like cracks, windows, and doorframes.

If you have noticed an ant invasion in your home or business, or you want to put preventative control measures in place, then contact PestLock today! Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians will work with you to ensure your home is safe from ants and other pests.

Carpenter Ants

The first type of ant we’ll look at is the carpenter ant. They can be winged or wingless, and a queen carpenter ant will measure about ⅝ inches long, while males are significantly smaller. They are normally black, but some have red, brown, or yellow markings. Carpenter ants are the most common species of ant found in the Pacific Northwest. They earn their name because they commonly burrow out their homes from wood. In homes and businesses, be on the lookout for small piles of sawdust and insulation. Since they do not eat the wood, you can find their homes from the bits of sawdust they leave behind.

Odorous House Ants

These smelly creatures have earned their name because they emit a stinky, rotten odor when they are crushed or stepped on. They are about ⅛ inches long, and dark brown or black in color. These common ants build large nests that can consist of up to 100,000 ants, and cause destruction to your building. They are attracted to moisture, and can build their nests near leaking pipes and heaters.

Moisture Ants

Moisture ants are similar in size and color to odorous ants. They can swarm in late summer and early autumn. They like to build their nests near bathtubs, in damp crawlspaces, near windows, or by leaks in your roof. Their favorite places to live are anywhere there is rotting wood, so if you find rot in your home, be sure to have it replaced immediately to avoid an infestation. Keeping your gutters and downspouts free from clogs can also help reduce the risk of moisture ants on your property.

Pavement Ants

Yet another variety of ant is the pavement ant, which is about ⅛ inches long. These dark brown or black ants are the ones you often see nesting in the cracks of pavement. When harassed, these ants may bite or sting, so beware if you are trying to treat a nest on your own. They may also burrow in homes and businesses around hot water pipes, in crevices in cupboards, and under carpets.

Ant Control in the Pacific Northwest

If you find ants on your property, or you want to ensure you are safe from these annoying little creatures, PestLock is here to help. Our team of local technicians is ready to spring into action and keep your home or business ant-free and happy! Give us a call today to find out more or schedule a free consultation.