ANTS

Carpenter ants are the most common and destructive wood destroying insects in the Pacific Northwest. They are also the largest ants found invading homes. Carpenter ants are a threat to your home because they make nests in and around buildings. Carpenter ants do not consume wood like termites do. They make extensive galleries in the wood to live in and raise their young. Carpenter ant colonies can reach the size of 40,000-60,000 ants. Ant activity is typically greatest between dusk and dawn. As a carpenter ant parent colony grows larger, it expands to the limits of the old nest and another suitable area for nesting becomes necessary. This new colony is known as a satellite colony, and is usually made nearby. The parent colony contains the queen, young larvae and workers, while the satellite colony contains the mature larvae, pupae, workers, and winged reproductives. The ants move back and forth from the parent nest to the satellite nest and to feeding areas. Ants will forage in and around the home for food and water, and often choose to establish satellite colonies inside a structure since these items are readily available there. Most damage by carpenter ants in the Pacific Northwest are caused by two species: Camponotus modoc or Camponotus vicinus. These species commonly nest in standing trees, logs, stumps, etc. A carpenter ant diet consists naturally of aphid honeydew, tree sap, small insects, spiders, and millipedes. Household spills, crumbs and pet food are also very attractive food items.

Odorous House Ants are small, dark brown ants approximately 1/8 inch long. They are often referred to as "sugar ants" due to their fondness for sweet foods. Empty soda cans, syrups, and any other type of sweet food debris are all attractants to this ant. Odorous house ants foraging in and around the home for food or water will often choose to establish colonies inside the structure since these items are easily available there. These ants are often seen in the kitchen and bathroom beginning in late March to early April. Inside the home they are generally found in wall voids, especially around hot water heaters and hot water pipes. While these ants do not cause structural damage, they can be an annoyance. Odorous house ants are found outdoors nesting beneath rocks, under logs and landscape timbers, under mulch, or just about anything lying on the ground can act as a nesting site for these ants.

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