When summer rolls around in Lacey, ants come marching in, sometimes right into your kitchen. Whether it’s a trail of odorous house ants in the pantry or carpenter ants tunneling through damp wood, dealing with these pests is more than just a seasonal inconvenience. It can turn into a frustrating and persistent pest problem if not handled properly.
If you’re noticing increased ant activity, you’re not alone. Homes across Lacey and nearby cities like Olympia and Tumwater tend to see a rise in ant infestations as the temperatures climb. But that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your summer to these tiny invaders.
And when you add wasps buzzing around your backyard or termites damaging your home, pest control becomes even more important. In Thurston County, where lush landscapes and damp weather create the perfect storm for pest issues, homeowners benefit from staying one step ahead.
Key takeaways
- Lacey’s humid summer climate attracts ants, termites, and other common pests.
- DIY methods often fail to target the full ant colony, which can worsen the infestation.
- Professional pest control services provide tailored solutions including inspection, baiting, and exclusion.
- Addressing your pest control needs early can prevent costly damage from ants and other invaders like termites and rodents.
Why ants love Lacey homes in the summer
Lacey’s mild, humid climate is ideal for ants to thrive, especially during the warmer months. Our proximity to forested areas and the Puget Sound means your backyard, and even your crawl space, often host thriving ant colonies.
Common pests like odorous house ants and carpenter ants typically seek moisture and food. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are prime targets. Once they establish a trail, it doesn’t take long before you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation.
Signs of an ant infestation
You might spot a few scouts first, but soon after, you’ll notice:
- Trails of ants along baseboards or countertops
- Piles of sawdust near wooden structures (a red flag for carpenter ants)
- Small entry points around windows, doors, or siding
- A faint, rotten coconut smell (a tell-tale sign of odorous house ants)
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.
Effective Ant Control Methods for Lacey Homes
1. Pinpoint the colony with a thorough inspection
Effective pest control starts with understanding the problem. That means identifying where the ants are coming from and what’s attracting them. A thorough inspection by a licensed exterminator will uncover not just the visible trails but also hidden nests inside walls, attics, or even outdoor trees.
2. Target the source with bait, not just sprays
One of the biggest mistakes people make is relying on surface sprays. While they may kill the ants you see, they don’t eliminate the colony. Baits, on the other hand, allow worker ants to carry the treatment back to the nest, targeting the entire population, including the queen.
3. Seal entry points and eliminate attractants
Even the best bait won’t help if ants keep finding new ways in. A key part of any pest control service in Lacey should include exclusion work, sealing cracks, fixing leaky pipes, and trimming vegetation away from your foundation. Keeping your home clean and food sealed can also cut off their food supply.
4. Treat carpenter ants differently
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, they carve through it to build nests. That means you need a different pest management strategy, one that includes localized treatments and sometimes even structural repairs. In this case, working with a pest control company that understands Washington State’s wood-destroying pests is essential.
5. Schedule follow-up visits for long-term relief
Ant control isn’t always a one-and-done job. Depending on the size and scope of the infestation, multiple treatments or quarterly service plans may be the best way to keep your home pest-free all year long.
Why professional help matters
DIY traps and sprays can offer short-term results, but for lasting peace of mind, nothing beats the experience of a licensed pest control company. At PCI Pest Control, we’ve helped families in Lacey and the surrounding areas stay ahead of pest issues since 1998. Our technicians don’t just treat the symptoms; we get to the root of your ant infestation and build a plan that keeps them from coming back.
We also offer eco-friendly treatments, customized pest control solutions, and same-day service options. No contracts, just results you can count on.
And it’s not just ants. If you’ve been seeing signs of other unwanted guests, like termites in the garage or rodents in the attic, our full-service approach covers all your pest control needs, from ant control to rodent control and more.
Wrap-up
Summer should be about barbecues and backyard fun, not battling ants in your pantry. Whether you’re dealing with odorous house ants, carpenter ants, or just want to prevent future pest infestations, you deserve a pest control team that knows Lacey inside and out.
If the ants are getting too comfortable in your home, let’s talk. At PCI Pest Control, we’re your local neighbors and your go-to exterminator when it comes to keeping homes in Lacey pest-free. We’re here to help you enjoy a peaceful, ant-free summer
to walk you through your pest control plan.
