4 Common Ants in the Pacific Northwest

Finding an ant in your home isn’t uncommon. Ants are the number-one nuisance pest in America, but with so many ant species, figuring out which one you’re dealing with can be hard. In this article, we’ll explore the most common ant species native to the Pacific Northwest so you can take the necessary precautions to deter them.

Pavement Ants in the Northwest Pacific

Pavement ants, as their name suggests, are commonly found near paved areas, like driveways and sidewalks. They are brown to black in color and measure about ⅛”. When searching for food, these ants will enter homes through cracks in the foundation of a home and beneath floorboards.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are black, red, or a combination of the two. They are larger than other ants and carpenter ants are also the most damaging, as they excavate wood in structures, making them a danger to homes.

Because carpenter ants prefer decaying wood and damp areas, you’ll want to repair leaky pipes and damaged wood. Trimming back shrubs can also help prevent carpenter ants.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are small, dark-colored ants. They often build their nests under floorboards and within walls. They are named after the odor they emit when crushed. Although they don’t present any structural risks, odorous house ants can contaminate your food.

The best way to treat odorous house ants is to have pest control technicians seal wall openings and apply treatments. You’ll also want to clean often and thoroughly to keep ants away.

Moisture Ants

Moisture ants are yellow, brown, or black and look like many other ants, which often makes them hard to distinguish. As their name suggests, moisture ants prefer moist environments. They’re often found in damp soil, underneath rocks, and near dead wood. To help keep moisture ants away, repair water leaks and ensure your rain gutters work properly.

Experts in Ant Control in the Pacific Northwest

A general rule of thumb when it comes to ants is if there is one, there are likely dozens⁠—or even hundreds⁠—more nearby. So you should act quickly before your ant problem gets out of hand.

No matter what type of ant you’re dealing with, PURCOR can help. We’ll inspect your home, identify the exact species you have, and recommend a solution for termination or removal. Simply contact us today to schedule your ant inspection.