Why am I seeing winged ants flying around?

Like many social insect colonies, carpenter ants typically swarm during late spring or early summer. The reproductive members swarm in order to find mates and establish new colonies.

If you’re seeing a lot of giant winged ants inside your structure then you likely have an active carpenter ant problem. If winged ants are flying around your property, you have a colony somewhere nearby.

Why do I have a problem with ants?

Easy access to food and water sources are typically why residents in Washington find ants in or near their structures. Clogged gutters, leaking outdoor fixtures, unsecured garbage cans, and gardens may attract ants and once they discover access to the inside, they’ll take advantage of your hospitality. They may even establish satellite colonies in your structure. 

Another reason why ants infest homes and businesses is weather-related. If it becomes too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet, they’ll move indoors for more comfortable conditions. 

Where do ants nest?

Nesting spots vary by ant species, but in general, ants can be found nesting outdoors in places like:

• In soil
• Among piles of wood
• In cracks of pavement
• Under fallen trees or landscaping ties, or inside of tree stumps

Inside, it’s common to find ants under flooring, behind walls, in crawlspaces, near heating systems, and behind large appliances.

Are ants dangerous?

While the majority of ants in our region are considered just a nuisance and pose no threat to human health, Pharaoh ants may be the exception. They have the ability to carry and transmit salmonella and streptococcus. Couple that with their habit of invading IVs and wounds, and you could have a dangerous situation. 

Carpenter ants are not dangerous to people but they are wood-destroying ants that, if left unchecked, inflict significant damage to structures. 

How do I get rid of ants?

Accurate identification of the ant and location of the nest(s) is essential if you want to get rid of the ant colony for good. Treating carpenter ants requires a different method than say pavement ants and if you treat the foraging members of the colony but not the queen, the problem will continue.

At Prosite, we offer comprehensive pest control services that include a detailed inspection. When you contact us, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify the type of ant and how bad of an infestation you have. We’ll also locate entry points and determine what conditions in or around your structure are attracting them. Upon completion of our inspection, we’ll discuss our findings and recommend a treatment plan to get rid of ants.

For carpenter ant control, Prosite provides regularly scheduled treatment every year to protect against structure damage.

If you’re interested in learning more about our ant control services in Ellensburg and Central Washington, please contact Prosite today.

How do I prevent problems with ants?

At Prosite, we cannot emphasize the importance of sanitation and highly encourage property owners to clean often and thoroughly in order to keep ants out! We also recommend implementing the following ant prevention tips:

• Seal cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and spaces found around utilities (pipes, wire, and ducts)
• Reduce moisture levels by installing or running de-humidifiers
• Fix leaking pipes and appliances
• Unclog gutters and trim trees and bushes away from the exterior
• Replace water damaged wood
• Install de-humidifiers in areas to reduce moisture levels in your home; remove any wood from your home that has been damaged by water
• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight or for any length of time
• Store food in the refrigerator or in air-tight containers
• Empty trash cans often