Ants in Washington state are also very common, where there are over 792 different species.
Ants are one of the most fascinating and widespread creatures on Earth. They can be found in every continent except Antarctica, and there are over 15,000 known species of ants.
They help to decompose organic matter, control pests, and disperse seeds. However, ants can also be a nuisance when they invade homes and businesses.
In this article, we will take a closer look at ants in Washington state. We will discuss the most common types of ants, their identification, size, and color, and the impact of ants on the Washington environment.
Types of Ants In Washington
Ants are attracted to food and water sources, so they are often found in homes and businesses. They can also be found in outdoor areas, such as lawns, gardens, and parks. Some of the most common ants in Washington state include:
Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants are found in all parts of the world, and they are a common pest in homes and businesses.
- Size: Carpenter ants are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inches long.
- Color: Carpenter ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Carpenter ants nest in wood, both indoors and outdoors. They prefer moist wood, so they are often found in areas that are prone to water damage, such as around leaky faucets or pipes.
- Biodiversity: There are over 20 species of carpenter ants in Washington.
- Complications: Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wood structures if they are left unchecked. Their tunnels can weaken wood and make it more susceptible to failure. They can also contaminate food and water sources.
- Impact: Carpenter ants are a major pest in Washington, and they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses.
Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh ants are small, yellow ants that are known for their ability to infest homes and businesses.
- Size: Pharaoh ants are typically 1/16 to 1/8 inches long.
- Color: Pharaoh ants are yellow or light brown in color.
- Habitat: Pharaoh ants nest in warm, moist areas, both indoors and outdoors. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of pharaoh ant in Washington.
- Complications: Pharaoh ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also spread diseases, such as salmonellosis and shigellosis.
- Impact: Pharaoh ants are a major pest in Washington, and they can be very difficult to control.
Odorous house ants
These ants are small and black, and they give off a bad smell when you crush them. They’re often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they’re looking for food and water.
- Size: Odorous house ants are typically 1/16 to 1/8 inches long.
- Color: Odorous house ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Odorous ants nest in moist, sheltered areas, such as under sinks, behind refrigerators, and in wall voids. They are also attracted to food sources, so they may be found in kitchens and pantries.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of odorous ant in Washington.
- Complications: Odorous ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers.
- Impact: Odorous ants are a minor pest in Washington, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Pavement ants in Washington
Pavement ants are small and black, and they build their nests in cracks in the pavement. They can sometimes get into your house if they’re looking for food.
- Size: Pavement ants are typically 1/16 to 1/8 inches long.
- Color: Pavement ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Pavement ants nest in the cracks and crevices of pavement, sidewalks, and driveways. They also prefer moist areas, so they may be found near water sources.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of pavement ant in Washington.
- Complications: Pavement ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers.
- Impact: Pavement ants are a minor pest in Washington, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Thatching ants in Washington
Thatching ants are large, black ants that build large mounds. They’re harmless to people, but their mounds can be unsightly and can damage turfgrass.
- Size: Thatching ants are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inches long.
- Color: Thatching ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Thatching ants build large mounds of soil and plant debris in open areas, such as meadows, pastures, and woodlands.
- Biodiversity: There are several species of thatching ants in Washington.
- Complications: Thatching ant mounds can damage lawns and gardens. Thatching ants also have a painful bite, but they rarely bite humans unless they are provoked.
- Impact: Thatching ants are a minor pest in Washington, but their mounds can be a nuisance if they are located in areas where people and pets are active.
Western Harvester Ants
Western harvester ants are primarily herbivores and play a vital role in seed dispersal in arid regions of Washington, such as the sagebrush steppe.
- Size: They are 1/2 inch in length.
- Color: Western Harvester Ants are reddish-brown to black.
- Habitat: Western harvester ants nest in open, sunny areas, such as meadows, pastures, and woodlands. They prefer sandy soil.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of western harvester ant in Washington.
- Complications: Western harvester ants can damage lawns and gardens by harvesting seeds and other plant material. They can also be a nuisance, especially if their nests are located in areas where people and pets are active.
- Impact: Western harvester ants are a minor pest in Washington, but they can cause damage to property and be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Red Velvet Ants
Red velvet ants are not true ants but are often mistaken for them due to their similar appearance. In Washington, they are often found in arid regions and can deliver a painful sting.
- Size: These wingless wasps are around 1/2 to 1 inch long.
- Color: They are covered in striking red or orange “velvet” hair.
- Habitat: Red velvet ants live in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and forests. They prefer sandy soil.
- Biodiversity: There are several species of red velvet ants in Washington.
- Complications: Red velvet ants have a painful sting, but they rarely sting humans unless they are provoked. Their sting can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people.
- Impact: Red velvet ants are a minor pest in Washington.
Conclusion
Ants are everywhere in Washington. They may not be the most exciting animals, but they’re really important. They help plants grow, eat pests, and make the soil better.
Overall, ants are really important for the environment of Washington. They’re essential for nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, pest control, and soil health. We should be nice to ants!
