Tackling Odorous House Ants (aka “Sugar Ants”) in Olympia, WA

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expert odorous house ant control in olympia

If you’ve spotted tiny black ants marching across your kitchen counter in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, or Shelton, chances are you’re dealing with odorous house ants—commonly nicknamed “sugar ants.” These pesky invaders are a frequent nuisance in the Pacific Northwest, and at Bigfoot Pest Management, we’re here to help you understand them and kick them out for good. Let’s climb the local pest control ladder together and explore everything you need to know about these ants, from identification to prevention, with a focus on keeping your Thurston County home pest-free.

Step 1: Understanding Odorous House Ants – What Are “Sugar Ants”?

Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) aren’t just any ants—they’re small, dark brown to black ants, about 1/8 inch long, known for their love of sweets and their distinctive rotten-coconut-like smell when crushed. According to the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management Program, these ants are highly adaptable and form large colonies, making them a common household pest in Washington state.

Locally, in Olympia and surrounding areas like Lacey and Tumwater, odorous house ants thrive due to our damp climate and abundance of food sources. They’re often called “sugar ants” because of their attraction to sugary spills, but don’t be fooled—they’ll also snack on proteins and greasy leftovers. If you’ve got a trail of these ants in your kitchen, it’s time to take action.

Step 2: Why Odorous House Ants Love Olympia Homes

Living in the South Puget Sound area means dealing with moisture-loving pests like odorous house ants. They nest in soil near foundations, under debris, or even inside your walls near pipes—anywhere damp and close to food. The Washington State University Extension notes that these ants are particularly active in spring and fall, which aligns with Olympia’s wet seasons.

For homeowners in Lacey or businesses in Tumwater, this means crumbs on the counter or an unsealed pantry can quickly turn into an ant highway. At Bigfoot Pest Management, we’ve seen these ants pop up everywhere from Yelm to Shelton, and we know how to stop them in their tracks.

Step 3: Local Solutions – How Bigfoot Pest Management Handles “Sugar Ants”

When it comes to odorous house ant control in Olympia, WA, Bigfoot Pest Management takes a targeted, eco-friendly approach. Here’s how we climb the pest control ladder:

Inspection: We start by identifying nesting sites and entry points—cracks in foundations, gaps around windows, or even under your doorstep in Shelton.
Treatment: Using safe, effective methods, we eliminate colonies at the source. Baits work wonders, as ants carry them back to their nest, wiping out the whole crew.
Prevention: We seal entry points and offer tips like storing food in airtight containers to keep your Olympia home pest-free.

Our family-owned team has over a decade of experience tackling “sugar ants” across Thurston County. Learn more about our ant control services and how we tailor solutions for homes and businesses in Lacey, Yelm, and beyond.

Step 4: DIY Tips to Prevent Odorous House Ants

While professional help is the most reliable way to banish “sugar ants,” you can take some steps to deter them. The National Pesticide Information Center recommends:

Clean Up: Wipe down surfaces and sweep up crumbs daily.
Seal Food: Store sweets and snacks in sealed containers.
Fix Leaks: Reduce moisture by repairing dripping faucets or pipes—ants love wet spots.

These small actions can make a big difference in Olympia’s humid climate, but for persistent infestations, give us a call.

Step 5: Why Choose Bigfoot Pest Management in Olympia, WA?

At Bigfoot Pest Management, we’re not just exterminators—we’re your local pest control partners. Based right here in Olympia, our technicians live and work in the communities we serve, from Tumwater to Shelton. We’re certified by the Washington State Pest Management Association and committed to eco-friendly, effective solutions.

Ready to say goodbye to “sugar ants”? Contact us today for a free onsite quote:

Phone: (360) 789-5295
Address: 2710 Allen Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Website: www.bigfootpest.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed Saturday & Sunday)

Step 6: Take Control of Your Olympia Home Today

Whether you’re in Olympia or Lacey dealing with a kitchen invasion or in Yelm or Tumwater battling a pantry takeover, Bigfoot Pest Management has the expertise to climb the pest control ladder and deliver results. Don’t let “sugar ants” run the show—reach out to us and reclaim your space!

Contact Bigfoot Pest Management

Elliott Hahn