Common Ants in Washington
One ant that invades your kitchen quickly turns into a dozen. They continue to multiply until they overwhelm you. Pest Busters Washington WA experts will educate you on Washington anemones. They also have tips and tricks to keep these pests away from your home.
Washington: Ants in a variety of forms
Earth has approximately one million billion ants. There are over 12,000 different species. That's a lot ant! There are only four common types here in Washington.
- Odorous House Ants
- Carpenter Ants
- Pavement Ants
- Velvety Ants
Odorous House Ants
Odorous houses and sugar ants, also called sugar ants, measure 1/16 to 1/4 inches in length and can be black or brown. When crushed, they give off an unpleasant odor similar to rotten cocoa. They love sweets, and meats, and so are most likely to be found in the kitchen. Because they are so nocturnal it can be hard to find their nests in your house. While they can bite you, they don’t cause too much pain.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants, which can reach up to 1 inch in length, are one of the largest species of ants. Their size ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 inches. This type is known to live in damp, decaying, or hollow wooden materials and tunnel through them to create their nests. If they do, it can cause severe structural damage to your home.
Pavement Ants
Pavement beetles are common outside on sidewalks and driveways. They can also migrate indoors to search for food. They can get into your trashcan, compost container, outdoor garden, and even pets' bowls.
Velvety Ants
Fine, dense hairs cover velvety tree ants. Their nests are usually made of trees, stumps, and logs. They prefer to nest indoors where they can be found in moist wall voids and wet wood. Velvety tree ants are also aggressive biters. They inject a poison that causes pain similar to a scorpion's sting.
What Causes Ants in The House
Ants look for water and food all the time. They'll tell all their colonies if they find any food or water in your house. Things as small as a leaky faucet or crumbs on a floor can act as beacons for ants. Once they have located a food source, ants will make a trail back to the colony, carrying their food. It is possible to eradicate ants from your home if you are able to identify the source. This isn't always true.
How to stop ants in your home
It's far easier than trying to eliminate an existing infestation. Simple things can have a significant impact on your home.
- Keep leftover food out of the open for the next day
- Remove crumbs by vacuuming frequently.
- Take care of your counters especially when you spill anything or prepare food.
- Keep food covered so that ants cannot get in.
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors as well as gaps in your foundation.
- Inspect your property for any moisture problems.
- Cut all branches and limbs which may touch your house. They could be used as a bridge by the ants.
- A perimeter spray will kill any insects that cross the barrier.
How to Get Rid of Ants from Your Home
Catching an ant problem early is a good way to eliminate it yourself.
- The store-bought bait stations provide tempting bait for the foraging ants. They then return the bait to their colony. The bait will spread throughout the colony, eliminating them all from the inside.
- The insecticidal sprays kill the ants instantly and provide protection for up to several days.
Both of these options can provide temporary relief, but not lasting protection. Once you have identified the source of the infestation you will only be able to treat those ants. You need professional ant control to get to the root cause. Pest Busters Olympia WA can provide comprehensive service and safe, proven products to eradicate ants for good.
Pest Busters Olympia WA
Olympia Wa
(360) 226 1790