Ants

There are more than 15,000 ant species and subspecies that occur worldwide, however only about 25 species commonly infest homes. The most common ants found here in the Pacific Northwest are the Odorous House Ants, Moisture Ants, Pavement Ants, Carpenter Ants, and Soil Ants. Ants will eat practically any kind of food but are especially attracted to sweets. They can live from several weeks to several years depending on the species. Ants are social insects, which mean they typically live in large groups or colonies. Depending on the species, ant colonies can consist of millions of ants. Their structured nest communities can be found underground, in ground-level mounds or in trees.

Ants travel along wide areas in search of food, following trails they have established becoming a nuisance in homes and businesses. Some of the most common ant infestations found in and/or around homes are the odorous ant, carpenter ant and pavement ants. Many know of the odorous ant as the common house ant. They are persistent like the pavement ant and will often go after sugary food sources. The carpenter ant is a wood destroying ant, known for chewing away at moist or rotted wood as they build tunnels towards their food sources.

Signs of Ants

Odorous Ants

Odorous ant infestations are more likely to occur after rainfall than in dry conditions. Inside the home, they prefer to colonize areas near a heat source or insulation, typically in wall voids or beneath the floor. The season of reproduction for odorous house ants is summer and particularly during the months of June and July. They can easily contaminate food supplies. Odorous ants also occasionally mate in flying swarms, which along with the activity of foraging workers, will likely serve as the only sign of infestation.

Pavement Ants

Infestations are common in the yard, especially along the driveway, near slab foundations or underneath large rocks, bricks or patio blocks. Though possible, they rarely build nests inside a home’s walls or floors but will regularly venture inside in search of food. Small piles of dirt atop concrete cracks indicate the likely presence of a nest.

Carpenter Ants

Sightings of large dark-colored ants inside your home usually point to the first sign of a carpenter ant infestation. However, this does not necessarily mean a carpenter ant nest is present indoors.The location of a carpenter ants nest may actually be outside your home in logs, hollow trees, wood piles or anywhere else moist lumber can be found. Check basements, attics, garages and your homes exterior with the intention of following carpenter ants back to their nest or to discover where they are entering your home. Finding a number of winged reproductive ants at windows inside your house could also be an indication you might have an indoor nest. Porch pillars, supporting timbers, sills, joists, wall studs, window and door casings and amongst insulation near ceiling joists and wall studs are other common places Carpenter ants can be found. Indoor nests may originate from one or more parent colonies. Worker ants travel regularly between the satellite and parent colonies. To eliminate carpenter ants, finding and removing the parent nest and all of the satellite nests is the key to successful eradication of carpenter ants.

Ants in the Winter

Many people assume that ants disappear in the cold winter months. Ants are cold-blooded so when cold air arrives, ants’ body temperatures drop and their movements become sluggish. Ants respond by seeking out warm places, such as deep soil, under rocks, under the bark of trees or in your home. Most species of ants consume large amounts of food in the fall to put on fat, thereby allowing them to go without much food through the winter. Ants then enter a dormant stage in which they lay low, feeding off the fats, carbohydrates and proteins they stored the previous months. They then become active again when temperatures become warm or if their colony is located near a heat source, such as a heating duct in the wall.

Concerns for Ants

Along with being a nuisance, ants travel among unknown territory that can be populated by bacteria and pathogens, which can be spread amongst your home upon entry. Carpenter ants can be especially worrisome, as infestations can lead to structural damage and pose risk to your home.

Ant Control Solutions

We set out to identify the source of any ant infestation so that all ants inside and outside can be eliminated using our 5 step S.M.A.R.T. Process:

Through our S.M.A.R.T. process we determine all entry points, secure the ants from entering in the future and dispose of all dead pests and contaminated debris. Once we are confident that your home has been safely cleared and secured we customize a plan, tailored specifically to your needs, to prevent any future infestations.

Our process encompasses the biology, anatomy, psychology and social systems of all pests and wildlife; designed to help you understand the ‘why’ behind your infestation. We specialize in elimination,sanitation, prevention and routine maintenance of your home or office so you can be rest assured your home is protected from future infestations.

Ant Prevention

Our highly trained professionals don’t just come out to take care of the job. We take pride in  providing you with a well rounded understanding of your infestation. We determine why ants are attracted to your home so that we can pass along our knowledge to you; that you may be able to confidently apply preventative measures against future infestation.