Are Ants Destroying Your Home from the Inside?
Are Ants Destroying Your Home from the Inside? What Every Tacoma Homeowner Should Know
At first, a few ants on the kitchen counter might seem harmless. Maybe even expected during the warmer months. But what if those ants are a sign of a much larger problem hidden behind your walls? In Tacoma’s moist and moderate climate, ants are more than just a nuisance—they could be silently damaging your home from the inside out.
In this blog post, we’ll break down why ant infestations in the Pacific Northwest are especially serious, what signs to watch for, and how you can stop the damage before it becomes irreversible.
Why Ants Are a Big Problem in Tacoma Homes
Tacoma’s wet winters and humid summers create the perfect environment for ants—especially carpenter ants, which are known for nesting in damp or decaying wood. Unlike other ants that are just foraging for crumbs, carpenter ants tunnel into the wooden structures of your home to build their colonies. Over time, this can weaken the integrity of your walls, floors, and even your foundation.
While they don’t eat wood like termites, their nesting behavior can be just as destructive. And because they’re most active at night or in hidden areas, many homeowners don’t even realize they have a problem until the damage is done.
Signs That Ants Are Nesting Inside Your Home
Here’s what to look for if you suspect ants are doing more than just scouting your kitchen:
1. Rustling Noises in the Walls
It sounds strange, but you may actually hear faint crackling or rustling sounds if a large colony is nesting inside wooden walls.
2. Frass (Ant Debris)
Carpenter ants push out waste—called frass—that looks like sawdust, bits of insulation, or insect parts. You might find this beneath baseboards or windowsills.
3. Ant Sightings in Winter
Seeing ants indoors during colder months is a red flag. It suggests they’ve found a warm nest site inside your home, possibly in the walls or under flooring.
4. Soft or Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on suspicious wooden areas. If it sounds hollow or soft, carpenter ants may have excavated a nest inside.
5. Winged Ants (Swarmers)
Finding flying ants indoors often means a mature colony has established itself nearby—possibly inside your home.
The Most Common Indoor Ants in Tacoma
Carpenter Ants:
Large, black or dark reddish ants known for nesting in damp wood. These are the most damaging to your home’s structure.
Odorous House Ants:
Smaller ants that smell like rotten coconut when crushed. They’re drawn to sugary foods and can quickly overrun kitchens and pantries.
Pavement Ants:
Often build colonies under foundations or driveways but may move indoors when disturbed. They can nest inside walls and insulation.
While odorous and pavement ants are more of a nuisance than a structural threat, all three species can establish satellite colonies indoors, especially when food and moisture are accessible.
Why DIY Ant Control Doesn’t Work Long-Term
Store-bought sprays might kill the visible ants in your kitchen, but they won’t solve the real issue: the nest.
Ants are social insects that live in large colonies, sometimes numbering in the thousands. If you don’t eliminate the queen and the colony itself, the ants will keep returning. In fact, some DIY methods can make things worse by causing the colony to splinter and form satellite nests elsewhere in your home.
This is especially true with carpenter ants, who are extremely resilient and skilled at hiding in places like:
Wall voids
Crawl spaces
Beneath insulation
Inside structural beams
How Professional Ant Control Works
At All-Shield Pest Control, we follow a multi-step process that addresses the problem at the source:
Inspection
We start by identifying the species, entry points, and the extent of the infestation. This includes inspecting crawl spaces, attics, and moisture-prone areas.Baiting and Targeted Treatments
We use professional-grade baits and low-toxicity insecticides that ants carry back to the colony, targeting the queen directly.Moisture and Structural Assessments
We check for water damage or leaks that might be attracting carpenter ants and recommend solutions like ventilation or minor repairs.Follow-Up Monitoring
After initial treatment, we continue monitoring activity and make adjustments as needed to ensure the colony is fully eliminated.Exclusion Repairs
We seal entry points, install weather stripping, and provide recommendations for long-term prevention.
Why Local Experience Matters
Tacoma’s coastal weather, older housing stock, and lush vegetation make it uniquely vulnerable to pest issues. That’s why it’s important to work with a pest control provider who understands the local climate and how it affects pest behavior.
All-Shield Pest Control is based in the Pacific Northwest. We know how carpenter ants think, where they hide, and how to eliminate them safely and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a small nuisance or signs of serious damage, we’re here to help.
How to Prevent Ants from Invading Your Home
The best ant control is prevention. Here’s how to make your Tacoma home less inviting:
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
Fix plumbing leaks and address any damp wood or moisture problems.
Store food in airtight containers, and wipe down counters regularly.
Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Keep firewood and mulch at least 20 feet away from the house.
Trim tree branches and bushes so they don’t touch the siding or roof.
Even small steps can make a big difference in reducing your risk.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ants Eat Away at Your Home
Ants may be small, but their impact can be massive—especially when they’ve taken root behind your walls. If you’re hearing noises in the walls, spotting strange debris, or seeing ants when you shouldn’t, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent.
Suspect ants in your home? Let All-Shield Pest Control inspect and eliminate the problem before it costs you thousands in repairs.
