Spotting ants in your home can be frustrating, but knowing which type you’re dealing with makes a big difference. In Tacoma, two common culprits are carpenter ants and pavement ants. While they may seem similar at first glance, the damage they cause, where they nest, and how you treat them are all very different.
If you’ve noticed either of the two types, this guide will help you tell the difference between these two ant species and why it matters for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Carpenter ants are bigger and damage wood, while pavement ants are smaller and build nests near concrete or stone.
- The risk of structural damage makes it important to know which ant species is causing the infestation.
- A complete ant problem requires inspection, nest location, and different treatments based on the type of ant.
- PCI Pest Control helps homeowners in Tacoma and nearby areas get rid of ants using trusted local pest solutions.
Carpenter Ants vs. Pavement Ants: Key Differences
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In Washington State, especially Tacoma, Puyallup, and Auburn, it’s not unusual to spot ants around your home. But not all ants are the same.
To help you identify which ant species you’re dealing with, we’ve put together this quick comparison:
| Features | Carpenter Ants | Pavement Ants |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large (up to ½ inch) | Small (about ⅛ inch) |
| Color | Black or reddish-black | Dark brown to black with lighter legs |
| Nesting Site | Inside wood, especially damp or rotting areas like crawl spaces | Under sidewalks, patios, and foundation cracks |
| Behavior | Tunnel through wood, weakening it over time | Nest in soil and enter homes in search of food |
| Timing | Most active at night | Active throughout the day |
Why It’s Important to Tell Them Apart
Confusing carpenter ants with pavement ants, or vice versa, can lead to wasted effort and ongoing problems.
- Carpenter ants require a more aggressive form of pest control, often focused on locating satellite colonies and reproductives that may be hiding in wall voids or attics.
- Pavement ants, while easier to manage, still need targeted treatment to prevent future infestations.
And if you assume they’re harmless and leave them alone?
A carpenter ant infestation can slowly cause structural damage, much like termites, without you realizing it until the repairs are expensive.
What to Do When You Spot Carpenter Ants or Pavement Ants
Spotting critter trails in or around your home is one thing. Figuring out what to do about them is another. Here’s what you can do to take control of your ant problem.
Start With a Thorough Inspection
Tacoma homes, especially older ones with wooden siding, crawl spaces, or areas prone to moisture, are ideal nesting sites for carpenter ants.
Look for frass (that fine, sawdust-like debris) around baseboards or window sills. You may even hear soft rustling from ant colonies inside the walls.
With pavement ants, the evidence often shows up outside.
Tiny piles of displaced soil near foundation cracks or patio stones are classic signs. You might also see them trailing across your kitchen floor in search of food.
Identify Their Nesting Sites
If you’re seeing ants regularly, there’s likely a nest nearby.
For carpenter ants, that might be inside a support beam, under insulation, or around a leaky pipe. For pavement ants, it’s more likely to be outside, near concrete or landscaping. The more accurately you pinpoint their location, the more effective your ant control services will be.
Odorous house ants and sugar ants, two other common pests in the Seattle and Tacoma area, can complicate identification.
But a pest control professional will be able to tell the difference with a quick look.
Don’t Attempt DIY Treatment for Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are a structural threat.
Spraying them or sealing up an entry point without eliminating the queen or satellite colonies only delays the problem. It may seem like they’re gone, but they often return within weeks.
It takes experience, equipment, and a well-designed treatment plan to manage carpenter ant control effectively.
Use Targeted Baiting Methods for Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are more straightforward, but they still need proper treatment. The key is to use the right bait and place it where foraging ants will find it. Avoid disrupting their trails too early, those trails lead you to the nest.
A professional ant exterminator will know how to use these trails to their advantage for long-term pest management.
Contact Pest Control Experts in Tacoma
Professional pest control services are the best way to reclaim your home, especially when the infestation has moved beyond what you can manage with store-bought solutions.
If you’ve tried sprays or traps with little success, or you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants or termites, it’s time to call a pest control company.
At PCI Pest Control, we help homeowners across Tacoma, Federal Way, Olympia, and the greater Seattle area take back their homes. We specialize in identifying ants and getting rid of them at the source.
From crawl space inspections to rodent control and bed bug treatments, our local team has the tools and training to keep your home pest-free.
No contracts. Just proven pest control that works when you need it.
Give us a call. You’ll talk to a real expert, not a call center, and get a straight answer. That’s how pest management should be.
to walk you through your pest control plan.
