The warm, rainy seasons in the Vancouver-Portland Metro area aren’t just perfect for maintaining our lush Pacific Northwest greenery. They’re also ideal for ants looking for food and shelter.
Spotting a few stray ants here and there might not raise alarm bells immediately, but those tiny intruders can lead to big problems. From food invasions to structural damage, ants can become serious pests.
If you’ve been noticing some unusual ant activity around your home, it might be time to call a professional ant exterminator to help. Here are 7 signs it’s time to take action and protect your home by enlisting the help of a professional ant exterminator in Vancouver.
1. Food Overrun By Ants
Found ants feasting on the crumbs in your kitchen? This is one of the strongest indicators that it might be time to hire Vancouver ant control.
Ants are pests that are experts at finding even the smallest traces of food. They not only swarm open snacks but also invade sealed packages if they spot an entry point. Even pet food isn’t safe.
While hiring an ant exterminator will likely be your best bet, there are steps you can take in the meantime, including storing all food in airtight containers and keeping your floors and countertops free of crumbs or spills.
2. Stray Ants Walking Around
Have you spotted a lone ant in the bathroom or bedroom? These “scout ants” are sent out to search for food or a new nest site. If they succeed, they’ll bring their whole colony with them.
Frequent sightings—even if it’s one ant at a time—is a major red flag. Don’t wait until you see hundreds of ants; reach out to Natura Pest Control to address the problem early.
3. Hearing Insect Activity in the Walls
If you’ve been hearing faint rustling noises in the walls or floors at night, you may already have a colony living inside your home. Many ant species, including carpenter ants, are nocturnal, making them much more active after sundown.
When you knock on the walls, a hollow sound could indicate that ants (or termites) have been burrowing into the wood. This warrants a professional inspection for Vancouver ant control.
4. An Anthill or Colony Nearby
Spotting an anthill in your yard? This shouldn’t be ignored. Ant colonies can thrive underground while sending workers out in search of food—including into your home.
It’s important to note that while you may only see a handful of ants on the surface of an anthill, the colony underneath is massive, with a network of tunnels teeming with activity.
5. Wood Shavings
Carpenter ants are more sinister than they appear. While other ants are content raiding your kitchen, carpenter ants burrow into wood, damaging your home’s structure. If you notice sawdust-like wood shavings in areas with no ongoing carpentry or renovations, carpenter ants may be the culprits.
Left unchecked, they can compromise the integrity of your walls, furniture, and even roofing.
6. Too Many Damp Areas
Ants love moisture. Damp environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or even pipes outside your home, make perfect nesting spots. Leaks, condensation, or standing water provide the humidity they need to thrive.
Check for any damp wood in your home, especially in overlooked areas like basements or under sinks. Don’t delay in repairing leaky faucets or pipes, either.
7. Rotted Areas on the Home’s Exterior
Take a walk around your home and inspect for areas with rotted wood or excessive moisture. Broken gutters often lead to rainwater pooling near the foundation of your house, creating prime conditions for a carpenter ant infestation.
If you see rotted wood combined with the telltale signs of ants (like trails or shavings), don’t delay in calling an ant exterminator in Vancouver.
What to Do in the Case of an Ant Infestation
Here are your next steps if you notice any of these 7 signs:
- Don’t DIY it: Over-the-counter sprays and baits might address the visible ants but rarely get rid of the entire colony.
- Call the professionals: A trained pest control team can accurately identify the type of ants, locate the colony, and deploy effective treatment methods.
- Act fast: The longer you wait, the bigger the infestation can become, leading to costlier repairs or treatments.
At Natura Pest Control, we specialize in Vancouver ant control, offering services tailored to the local pest challenges in the area. Our team can help you stay one step ahead of any ant invasion.
Call the Best Ant Exterminator in Vancouver Today
Experts estimate that over 500 species of ants are currently living in places they don’t belong, further highlighting the importance of proper pest control.
Don’t wait until an ant infestation gets out of hand in your own home. At Natura Pest Control, we take care of the dirty work so you don’t have to. Whether you’re dealing with a stray scout or a full-blown carpenter ant problem, our experienced team is on hand to deliver fast and effective solutions.
Protect your home and peace of mind. Schedule an inspection with us today and enjoy an ant-free home in no time!
Did You Know?
The ant might be tiny, but it’s one of the strongest creatures on Earth in relation to its size. A single ant can carry 50 times its own bodyweight, and when working together, they can move even larger objects. No wonder they’re so hard to stop once they’ve made their way into your home!
FAQ
What attracts ants to my home in Vancouver, WA?
Ants are attracted to food crumbs, sugary substances, and damp environments. Vancouver’s rainy climate makes homes here especially prone to infestations.
How can I tell if I have carpenter ants?
Look for signs like wood shavings, hollow-sounding wooden walls, and rustling noises at night.
Is using DIY ant sprays effective?
DIY sprays might kill visible ants but rarely eliminate the colony. Professional pest control offers the most effective solutions.
How quickly can an ant infestation grow?
Ant colonies can grow rapidly, with thousands of ants working around the clock to expand. Acting quickly can prevent extensive damage.
Why choose Natura Pest Control?
We’re experts in ant extermination in Vancouver, using proven techniques to eliminate pests while keeping your family and pets safe.
