Ants
Ants in the Northwest
Ants play an important role in they ecosystem of the forest they help break down fallen timber and clean up debris from the forest floor. But, when they inside a structure they can cause serious problems. The two types of ants that cause the most problems in Northwest are the Carpenter Ant and they Odorous House Ant.
Carpenter Ants
Facts
The Northwest’s largest ants are known as carpenter ants because they nest in wood. Nests consist of numerous tunnels chewed in logs, stumps, tree trunks, firewood, decks and porches, window and door frames, wall voids and foam insulation. The ants expel piles of sawdust, dead ants and parts of dead insects from the nest and these can help inspectors determine the nest’s location. Indoor nests are usually “satellite” nests connected to the colony’s main nest outdoors. Satellite nests are often established in wood where moisture problems exist (e.g., around leaking pipes, inadequately sealed window frames and roof leaks).
Our Solution
Because the ants are nest inside the wood of a home, we rely on a wall void injection system to insure that the Carpenter Ant nest or nests is taken care of during the 1 year warranty. Upon arriving at your home the technician will inspect the home looking for the source of your ant problem. After they inspection the technician will apply a wall void injection treatment to assemble areas, perform a perimeter treatment and treat any interior areas needed.
What You Can Do
As a homeowner you can decrease your odds of having a Carpenter Ant infestation by removing all decaying wood from around the home, making sure that no plants are touching the home, and having a quarterly pest control service like our Green Tree Service.
Odorous House Ants
Facts
This 1/8-inch long, brownish-black ant gets it name from the rotten coconut like smell that is released when the odorous house ant is crushed. In recent years it has become an increasingly common household invader. Nests are found under rocks, boards and other debris, and in floor and wall voids. These ants will move indoors during rains and in the fall. They feed on sweets, honeydew, plant and fruit juices, meat and dairy products.
Our Solution
We can take care of any Odorous House Ant with our combination of interior and exterior treatments. This service includes an inspection for conditions conducive to ant activity, a thorough perimeter treatment, and the treatment of all necessary interior areas.
What You Can Do
Odorous House Ants are often referred to as Moisture Ants as a homeowner you can reduce your chance of having an ant infestation by making sure that all moisture problems around your home are resolved. The back splash area behind the kitchen sink is especially prone to these ants.
