Ants; the pest that you just can’t seem to shake. Here are 4 types of ants you might see in the PNW, what they look like and how to prevent them from coming in your home.
What they look like: Female and male sugar ants look different from each other. Female sugar ants have a black head, an orange thorax and an orange-brown band that wraps around their body. Males are usually all black. Sugar ants vary in size.
How to prevent them: Make sure to keep opened food stored or sealed away. Sweep up any spilled food and eat only in the kitchen.
What they look like: Moisture ants are dark brown in color and look a lot like many other ant species, so they are often times hard to isolate from other species. They are usually one-eighth of an inch in length.
How to prevent them: Since moisture ants like to settle down in areas with excess moisture, make sure your home is free of any standing water, flooding or damp areas.
What they look like: Carpenter ants are usually easier to recognize than any other ant specie. This is because they are the largest. They also only have one node at their waist in between their thorax and abdomen. One other feature that is different from other ants is that they have a round thorax instead of an unevenly shaped one. Most of the time these ants entirely black or have a reddish coloring.
How to prevent them: Seal possible entry points near doors and windows, so that the ants have no way of getting in. Make sure to keep food in sealed containers and clean up food and spills as soon as they happen.
What they look like: Pharaoh ants are very small; about 1/16 of an inch long. Their coloring is usually a light yellow-to red color with black markings on their abdomen. These ants also have three segments throughout its body.
How to prevent them: Along with many other ants, pharaoh ants will make their way into your home when food isn’t cleaned up or sealed correctly. Another reason would be garbage that has been left out for a while. Make sure to clean up after yourself.
If you are seeing any of these types of ants in your home, call Insight Pest Solutions today for the best pest control Seattle has to offer.