Ants are one of the most persistent pest problems in Tacoma and nearby cities like Puyallup and Seattle. Once inside, they’re tough to remove without the proper method. Whether you spot sugar ants in the kitchen or carpenter ants damaging wood, professional Tacoma pest control can stop the problem at its source.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the most common ant species in Tacoma, why they invade homes, and the best pest control services for eliminating them.
Key Takeaways:
- In Tacoma, ants often invade when they find easy access to food and water. However, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, as different ant species respond to specific treatments.
- Professional Tacoma pest control offers lasting results by targeting nests, using eco-friendly treatments, and performing follow-up visits to prevent future infestations.
- Exclusion work is critical. Sealing cracks, fixing screens, and addressing moisture issues keep ants, termites, and stinging insects like yellow jackets out of your home.
- Year-round pest management protects against more than just ants. Homeowners can also avoid other common pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and rodents.
Top Ant Species in the Tacoma Area
Tacoma is home to several ants that may invade your home. Knowing how to tell the difference between the various types of ants that may sneak into your kitchen can help you get rid of them effectively.
Pest control experts identify the ant species and recommend the best control method.
The most common ants you’ll encounter in Tacoma and the Puget Sound region include:
Odorous house ants (sugar ants)
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Odorous house ants are small, brown or black ants that release a rotten coconut smell when crushed. You’ll often spot them in kitchens, bathrooms, and even the crawl space.
Carpenter ants
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Carpenter ants are large ants that tunnel into damp or rotting wood. While they don’t eat wood like termites, their excavation can weaken structures.
Pavement ants
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They nest under driveways, sidewalks, or foundations. However, they will go indoors for food.
Why Ant Infestations Start
Many homeowners don’t realize they’re inviting ants inside. An ant infestation often begins when scout ants find food or water. Then, they’ll leave a trail that other ants follow.
Some of the most common causes of ant infestations include:
- Unsealed food containers
- Standing water or leaks
- Vegetation touching your home
- Gaps and cracks needing exclusion work
Damp basements or crawl spaces can attract pests like silverfish, earwigs, and wasps. Ants don’t spread serious diseases, but can still contaminate food.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Tacoma
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Identify the species
Different ants require different strategies, so identification is key for insect control.
Remove food and water sources
Remove anything that may attract ants and cockroaches. Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers, and clean up spills and crumbs. Fix any leaks to avoid providing pests with water sources.
Seal and protect your home
Seal cracks, fix screens, and block entry points to prevent ants from entering. This pest prevention method can also keep other insects, such as yellow jackets, hornets, and other stinging insects, out.
Use targeted treatments
Professionals may place bait stations. They can also use residual sprays or dusts alongside the bait stations to eliminate your ant infestation. At PCI Pest Control, we choose treatments that are safe for people, pets, and the environment.
Treat the nest
Surface sprays only kill visible ants. Exterminators find and treat nests in soil, wall voids, or landscaping for complete control.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control Services
DIY sprays may kill visible ants, but they usually don’t eliminate the entire colony. A licensed pest control company offers:
- Accurate pest identification
- Customized treatment plans for your pest control needs
- Follow-up visits to ensure the problem is gone
- Prevention tips for future infestations
Preventing Future Pest Problems
Ants can be active year-round, but you can keep your home pest-free by:
- Schedule regular inspections with pest control experts
- Keep crawl spaces dry and ventilated
- Keep your garden neat
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away
- Act quickly at the first sign of pests like ants, bed bugs, or rodents
Conclusion
If you see one ant, there are likely many more nearby. Acting fast, whether it’s a minor sugar ant issue or a large carpenter ant colony, helps protect your home before the problem grows. Professional ant control services go beyond treating what you see. We target the source and prevent the pests from coming back.
At PCI Pest Control, we don’t just handle ants. Our team provides full-service pest control solutions, including rodent control, bed bug treatments, and more. With service areas covering Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Federal Way, and other nearby communities, we’re ready to tackle any pest challenge you face.
Don’t wait for an ant or rodent problem to get worse. Call us for a free inspection, and we’ll create a plan to remove pests and keep them from coming back.
FAQs
Can ants be a sign of other pest issues?
Yes. The same food and moisture that attract ants can also draw roaches, silverfish, and other pests.
How fast does professional ant control work?
Smaller colonies may be gone in a few days, while larger carpenter ant infestations may take weeks and require follow-up visits.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, you can request a free quote so we can inspect and design a treatment plan for your home.
to walk you through your pest control plan.
