As the weather gets warmer, you may begin to notice more pest activity on your property. A common pest that becomes more active in spring is the sugar ant. These ants are common in Washington and are known to be a nuisance to homeowners. Fortunately, our Independent Pest Solutions have been in the pest control industry for over 20 years. If anyone can get rid of sugar ants for homeowners, it’s us!

Ant Pest Control in Puyallup

What are Sugar Ants? 

Sugar ants, also known as odorous house ants, are a common pest in the Pacific Northwest. Sugar ants are very small, measuring around 2 to 15 millimeters. The worker ants have dark heads and abdomens, with rust-colored torsos. A small percentage of the population consists of male ants, who are black and used for reproduction. When crushed, sugar ants give off a rotting fruit smell. 

Sugar ants like to nest in soil,  mulch, beneath rocks, or pavement. They may also establish a nest inside human homes, in spaces such as wall voids, cabinets, or other secluded, warm areas. Sugar ants are very good at adapting to and thriving in various environments. Nests can be located by following worker ants. They return to their nests to bring food back for the colony. Sugar ants are largely nocturnal, but may also forage during the day. Their instincts to look for food readily available make homes an easy target. 

Do Sugar Ants Come Out When It’s Warmer?

During winter, many species of ants hunker down to survive the cold weather. Sugar ants go into a dormancy period during the winter. If sugar ants are living in your home, then they may stay active during the winter because they’re warm. 

Seasonal changes also affect sugar ant behavior. When the weather is warmer in the spring, the ants start foraging for food and moisture more. Spring is when other creatures become more active, and plants start growing, meaning that there are more food sources for ants. Sugar ants may become more noticeable nuisances during the spring. Another reason why you may see more sugar ants in late spring is that the queens of the colonies start producing more offspring, growing the colony. 

Why do Sugar Ants Come into My House?

There are several different reasons why you may suddenly see little sugar ants marching around your kitchen or bathroom. Understanding what attracts sugar ants can help you prevent them from overtaking your space. Some examples of factors that attract sugar ants include: 

• Sources of moisture, such as leaking faucets or pipes, or condensation. 
• Crumbs, spilled liquids, or other sources of food. 
• Food is left out instead of being stored in airtight containers.
• Plants with nectar planted around the home can draw in ants. 
• Sugar ants can use pet food that’s left out as a food source. 
• Aphids on your property can attract sugar ants because they like eating the honeydew aphids produce. 
• Rain outside can drive ants indoors. 

Ants are very resourceful, and even a tiny bit of food or moisture can prompt them to invade your home or business. You’re more likely to see ants in your house as the weather warms, and they become more active. 

It’s important to be aware of potential attractants so you can eliminate them. If there’s nothing for the sugar ants to forage, they’ll eventually stop exerting energy to go into your house. Clean regularly, fix leaks, and maintain your yard’s landscaping. Make sure ants can’t access your stored food. 

If you see sugar ant activity in your house this spring, it’s important that you have a professional control the problem. 

Reach out to our Independent Pest Solutions team, and we will conduct a thorough inspection to determine how sugar ants are entering your building. We will then use effective treatments to eliminate the ants and prevent their return. Leave the ants to the experts.

Call our team to schedule a consultation today!

Contact Independent Pest Solutions Now!

Frequently Asked Questions