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 ANTS Puyallup
ant control
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.
253-226-2206
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