Ants are one of the most common insects that homeowners have problems with in Oregon. Though many homeowners feel that they should be able to take care of the problem themselves, in reality, there are so many different species of ants that it’s hard to determine exactly what you have to use to get rid of them if you aren’t a pest control professional. With that being said, read on below for some of the most common ants you will spot in Oregon and how to identify them.
Odorous House Ants
Possibly the most common type of ants you will find in Oregon is the odorous house ants. They are usually brown to black in color and once your home becomes invaded by them, they are truly hard to get rid of.
One of the easiest ways to identify them is by looking at their rear ends. They actually raise their rear ends into the air and run away if threatened. They are called odorous house ants because they emit a rancid coconut or butter smell, causing them to stink to high heaven.
The best way to control these little critters, also known as sugar ants, is by sealing the cracks and crevices they crawl through and making sure there is no sticky or sweet stuff for them to be attracted to around your home.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants look just like they sound. They are dark brown or black and look like the lines on pavement in appearance. Another reason, they could be called pavement ants is this is where they can be found, on, in, and under the pavement in front of your home. These are the ants that give you the most trouble when you are trying to grill out in the summer. These ants will attack your food and will crawl on you to get to it if they have to.
The best way to get rid of these ants is to make sure your grill, patio, and surrounding areas are clean. They also live outside, so it is rare that pavement ants will venture into your home.
Harvester and Thatching Ants
Often mistaken for the fire ants of the south, these ants are the two most common ants in Oregon that build mounds. Do not be fooled, though fire ants are not found in this part of the world, the harvesters and thatching ants can inflict a sting like nothing you have ever felt. These stings can be serious and sometimes will require medical attention.
They are red in color and not seen often. If you find a mound of these ants in an out of the way place, it’s best to just leave them alone. However, if you find one under your kid’s swing set, you need to call in professional help to get rid of them right away, because the stings can be very serious.
These are just a few of the most common ants in Oregon. It is best to call out the exterminator, if your home or yard is infested, so that the problem can be taken care of quickly and safely.
