The ants occur throughout the state of Washington and are the most common moisture ants in home structures. These ants frequently appear associated with rotting wood in houses. While several species may bring moisture into the wood structure to increase damage, the colony initially started in wood in an advanced stage of decay. Do not consider these ants a structural pest as the problem invariably existed before the colony was established. Remove the decayed wood and replace it with sound material while correcting the condition that led to the decayed wood in the first place. These ants will construct galleries from the rotting wood within which they feed. Do not confuse these galleries with the more linear tube-like tunnels made by subterranean termites.
Treatment
Treatment starts with a thorough inspection for the primary source of the infestation and any conducive conditions. After that recommendations are made for good sanitation practices and/or elimination of conducive conditions. Then a pesticide application maybe preformed when necessary.
