Pacific Northwest Pest Control Blog

Over-the-counter traps, like Terro, can seem helpful. But often, ants just die in the trap without carrying bait back to the nest. That means the colony keeps going. What Is The Best Ant Bait For Sugar Ants? If you’re serious about solving a sugar ant invasion, consider the best ant baits and products for effective control early on in your strategy. These help ensure that you are not just killing visible ants but targeting the colony, too. Professional Picks: Advion and Niban We use Advion ant gel indoors and Niban (a boric acid-based bait) outdoors. These products are more targeted and...

How Exterminators Tackle Ant Problems 1. Ants Enter Through Your Foundation Exterminators often find that ants are entering homes through cracks in the foundation. Once they get inside, they typically travel through walls, emerging from gaps behind baseboards or electrical faceplates. Sometimes ants even enter via tree branches that touch the exterior of the home. 2. The Extermination Process: Treating the Problem at the Source A good extermination plan involves not just spraying where you see ants, but targeting their entry points. Treatment often starts with spraying around the...

Do Ants Sleep? A Fascinating Look at Ant Behavior 1. The Night Owls of the Insect World Ants are generally active all the time, but they do have peak periods of activity. They tend to be most active during the evening and early morning hours, which is why you might notice more ants in your home at night. 2. The Resilience of Ants Ants don’t exactly “sleep” like humans do. Instead, they rest during periods of inactivity, but they’re always prepared to forage or defend their colony when necessary. This constant activity makes them one of the most persistent creatures around.  Sugar Ant...

Introduction: The Risks of Handling Wasp Nests Yourself in Washington While it’s tempting to remove a wasp nest yourself, it’s important to understand the risks involved and how to safely handle the situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely removing a nest, when to call professionals, and tips for minimizing the danger. 1. Why Timing Is Crucial in Washington The best time to tackle a wasp nest is in the early morning or late evening, when the wasps are less active and all the individuals are likely to be inside the nest. During these times, the wasps are more likely to stay...

When are Sugar Ants Most Active? If you've recently noticed a trail of tiny ants marching across your kitchen counter or along your bathroom sink, you might be asking yourself, "Why do I suddenly have sugar ants?" This common occurrence is often linked to seasonal changes, particularly during the warmer months. As temperatures rise, sugar ants, especially the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile), become more active in their search for food and moisture. Their heightened activity during spring and fall increases the likelihood that they will enter your home in search of sustenance....

What Is the Best Wasp Trap? Are Wasp Traps Really Effective? Wasp traps can be a helpful tool for dealing with these pesky insects, but not all traps are created equal. Let’s explore the best traps available and how to set them up effectively to prevent wasps from taking over your yard. The Best Wasp Trap One of the most common types of wasp traps is the yellow cone trap. These traps typically use sugar water or a similar sweet substance to attract wasps. Although they may attract yellow jackets more often than wasps, they can still be effective in catching some wasps, especially if...

Will Wasps Come Back to the Same Nest? If you’ve had a wasp nest on your property, and it’s been destroyed, you may wonder: "Will wasps return to the same spot next season?" Here’s what you need to know about wasp nest reuse and how to handle the situation. Do Wasps Reuse Nests? Generally, wasps do not reuse the same nest from year to year. The nest dies off when the colony dies in winter. In most cases, the wasps will build a new nest in a different location. However, there is a small chance that they may build nearby, especially if the area is ideal for nesting. Encouraging Wasps to...