How to Identify Different Ants in Washington State

Ants can be a difficult pest to get rid of since they are not only small, but they also travel in large groups in search of food to bring back to their colonies. While most ants aren’t more than just a nuisance to have in your home, some can cause serious damage to your home if they aren’t taken care of. Learning how to identify the different kinds of ants in your home can help you determine if your home is at risk of damage or not. When you know what kind of ants you are dealing with, it’s also easier to take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.  

Are Ants in Your Home Dangerous?

While the majority of ants found in your home pose no threat to humans or your living space, there are certain species that can become troublesome if discovered in or around your house. Certain ant species, like the fire ant, will sting you if you disturb their nest, or if they feel threatened. Some ant species also build their nests in wood or between pavement cracks, which can cause lasting damage to your home.

Types of Ants Found in Washington

While not all ant species are native to Washington, there are several different kinds of ants that you might find in your Washington home:

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants have the ability to cause significant harm to structures over time. Surprisingly, they do not feed on wood, but rather on proteins and carbohydrates – the same things that humans consume. The reason behind the structural damage is their nesting behavior, as they make their homes in wood (and other materials). They diligently carve out sections of lumber to establish a colony, creating intricate galleries where the young are raised and space is provided for the queen.

Pavement Ants

Unlike other species of ants, pavement ants do not cause damage to wood. Instead, they have a preference for nesting in the soil beneath concrete slabs, curbing, and asphalt driveways. Over time, these industrious ants can excavate and weaken the soil in these areas, leading to sagging and settling that may eventually require repair.

Moisture Ants

In contrast to Carpenter Ants, Moisture Ants possess the remarkable ability to digest cellulose, which essentially means that they eat wood. However, these industrious ants have a particular fondness for wood with a higher moisture content than usual. They diligently tunnel their way through lumber, crafting a cozy abode for their entire colony. The cunning nature of Moisture Ants lies in their discreet foraging habits, as they tend to go unnoticed while devouring wood. This allows them to wreak havoc and cause substantial damage without being detected for extended periods of time.

European Fire Ants

Luckily, the European variety of fire ants found near Seattle is not as aggressive as other species typically found in warmer climates. They first made their appearance in this region near Lake Washington. Although they are less aggressive, an infestation can still become problematic, especially if you have young children or pets who may not fully comprehend the potential danger posed by these ants. The fire ant’s sting delivers a potent impact, leaving behind raised welts that transform into white pustules. It’s only natural that if you encounter multiple ant stings, you’ll experience multiple of these reactions. Although rare, deaths can occur, often attributed to anaphylactic shock.   Have more questions regarding Pest Control? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page.

What to Do if You Find Ants in Your Home

If you find ants in your home, call Classic Pest Control and Insulation to take care of the problem. Never try to take care of a pest infestation yourself, let the professionals handle it. Contact us to learn more about our pest control packages.