Finding ants in your Seattle kitchen this morning? Before you grab that spray bottle and make the problem worse, spend 60 seconds identifying which species you’re dealing with. The wrong treatment doesn’t just fail it can turn a manageable kitchen problem into a whole-house infestation.
After 20+ years eliminating ants throughout Seattle and King County, we’ve learned that homeowners who correctly identify their ant species solve problems 3X faster and spend 60% less on treatment. This guide gives you the exact identification process our technicians use, plus the honest truth about what works (and what makes it worse) for each species.
AMPM Exterminators serves Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all Eastside communities with species-specific ant elimination programs.
Call (206) 571-7580 for same day ant identification and treatment
Licensed ant control specialists | 20+ years King County experience | Guaranteed colony elimination
The 60-Second Ant Identification System: Start Here
Before you do anything else, answer these three questions:
Question 1: Where did you find them?
Kitchen/bathroom counters → Likely odorous house ants
Near windows/doors with visible wood damage → Likely carpenter ants
Near water leak/damp basement → Likely moisture ants
Question 2: What size are they?
Tiny (rice grain size, 1-2mm) → Odorous house ants
Large (pencil eraser size, 6-13mm) → Carpenter ants
Medium (sesame seed size, 3-5mm) → Moisture ants, pavement ants
Question 3: What do they smell like when crushed?
Rotten coconut/blue cheese → Odorous house ants (100% confirmed)
No strong smell → Carpenter ants or moisture ants
Sweet/citrus → Moisture ants
Got your answers? Now match your ant below.
The Seattle Big Three: Ants in 95% of King County Homes
Ant #1: Odorous House Ants (The Kitchen Invaders)
What You’re Seeing: Tiny black ants (1-2mm) in organized trails to food sources
Also called: Little black ants, sugar ants, sweet ants, coconut ants
The Smell Test (100% Accurate Identification):
Crush one ant between your fingers. Smells like rotten coconut or blue cheese? That’s an odorous house ant guaranteed. No other Seattle ant species produces this distinctive smell.
Where You’ll Find Them in Your Home:
Kitchen locations (90% of sightings):
Trails along countertops to sugar bowl, honey jar, or syrup
Inside cupboards where cereal boxes or snack packages are stored
Around pet food bowls (wet and dry food)
Under sink near dishwasher
Behind refrigerator near drip pan
Bathroom locations (60% of infestations):
Trails along baseboards to toothpaste residue
Around bathroom sink
Near soap scum buildup
Why They Love Seattle:
Pacific Northwest climate provides perfect conditions. They nest outdoors in landscaping (mulch, under rocks, in planter boxes) and send thousands of workers indoors daily to forage. A single colony can contain 100,000 workers and multiple queens.
Why Standard DIY Treatment Fails (And Makes It Worse):
When you spray odorous house ants with store bought ant killer, here’s what actually happens:
Worker ants detect the repellent chemical
They rush back to the nest with danger warning
The colony activates “budding” behavior splitting into 3-5 new colonies
What was one kitchen trail becomes ants in kitchen + bathroom + bedroom + living room
This phenomenon is called colony budding or fragmentation. It’s an evolutionary survival mechanism that makes odorous house ants the #1 most difficult ant to eliminate in Seattle.
What Actually Works:
Professional elimination requires:
Non repellent gel baits that workers carry back to nest
Exterior perimeter treatment to target outdoor colonies
Sealing entry points (they enter through gaps as small as 1/32 inch)
Multiple follow up treatments as new queens emerge
DIY success rate: 15-20%
Professional success rate: 95%+
Timeline: 10-14 days with professional treatment
Cost Reality:
Professional treatment: $150-250 for typical home
DIY attempt: $40-80 in products that make problem worse
Cost of NOT treating: Ants spread throughout entire house within 4-6 weeks
Seattle Neighborhood Hot Spots:
We see highest odorous house ant activity in:
Downtown/Belltown condos and apartments (multi-unit buildings provide unlimited colony space)
Eastside newer developments (landscaping with bark mulch creates ideal nesting)
Queen Anne/Capitol Hill older homes (foundation settling creates entry gaps)
Ant #2: Carpenter Ants (The Structure Destroyers)
What You’re Seeing: Large black ants (6-13mm), often with reddish legs, near wood or windows
Species note: Seattle area has 3 common carpenter ant species all cause similar damage
Visual Identification Features:
Size comparison:
5-10X larger than odorous house ants
About the size of a pencil eraser
Easily spotted with naked eye
Color variations in King County:
All-black (most common 70% of sightings)
Black with reddish-brown legs and thorax (Camponotus modoc 25%)
Black and red body (Camponotus vicinus 5%)
Body shape:
Smooth, rounded thorax (no bumps)
Single node (bump) between thorax and abdomen
Elbowed antennae
Large mandibles (jaws)
The Sawdust Test (Confirms Active Infestation):
Look for small piles of sawdust (called frass) near baseboards, window frames, or door frames. Frass looks like fine sawdust mixed with ant body parts and has a texture like coarse pepper. Finding frass means carpenter ants are actively tunneling and damage is occurring NOW.
Where Carpenter Ants Nest in Seattle Homes:
Primary nest locations (where queens live):
Rotted deck posts in contact with soil
Water damaged window sills and frames
Roof rafters near leaky skylight or flashing
Crawl space rim joists with moisture damage
Tree stumps or firewood piles within 50 feet of house
Satellite nest locations (workers only, no queen):
Wall voids near bathroom or kitchen (moisture from plumbing)
Attic insulation near roof leak
Door frames with water damage
Foam board insulation behind siding
Why Seattle Is Carpenter Ant Capital:
Three factors make Seattle/Eastside perfect for carpenter ants:
Constant moisture: 150+ rainy days annually keeps wood damp
Dense tree canopy: Mature trees in Ballard, Queen Anne, Eastside provide natural habitat and highway to homes
Older housing stock: Homes built 1950-1990 have inevitable moisture issues from settling
The Moisture Connection (Critical to Understand):
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood they excavate it to create galleries (tunnels) for nesting. They REQUIRE wood with 15%+ moisture content to tunnel efficiently. This is why carpenter ants are actually a SYMPTOM of a bigger problem: you have a moisture issue.
Common moisture sources in Seattle homes:
Roof leak from missing shingles or failed flashing
Gutter overflow soaking fascia boards
Plumbing leak inside walls
Poor crawl space ventilation creating condensation
Failed exterior caulking around windows
Ground contact with deck posts or siding
Damage Timeline (How Fast Problems Develop):
Year 1-2: Initial colony establishment in exterior wood
Year 3-4: Satellite colonies form inside structure
Year 5-7: Visible damage appears, structural concerns emerge
Year 8+: Extensive damage requiring $5,000-20,000 repairs
Why DIY Carpenter Ant Treatment Fails:
Homeowners make three critical mistakes:
Mistake 1: Treating only what you see
The ants you see indoors are 10-20% of the colony. The parent colony (with egg-laying queens) is OUTSIDE in a stump, tree, or woodpile within 300 feet of your house. Killing indoor workers accomplishes nothing.
Mistake 2: Using liquid sprays
Carpenter ants detect liquid sprays and avoid them. You create a temporary barrier that forces ants to find new entry points. Now you have ants in different rooms.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the moisture problem
Even if you eliminate current ants, new colonies will establish next season in the same moisture-damaged wood.
What Professional Treatment Involves:
Phase 1: Inspection (Day 1)
Identify all nest locations (parent + satellites)
Moisture meter readings to find water damage
Trace foraging trails to locate parent colony
Assess extent of wood damage
*Phase 2: Elimination (Weeks 1-3)*
Dust application into wall voids (reaches nests spray can’t)
Non repellent perimeter treatment
Direct treatment of parent colony if accessible
Baiting program to target foragers
Phase 3: Exclusion (Week 4)
Seal entry points
Address moisture issues
Trim tree branches providing access
Remove wood-to-ground contact
*Phase 4: Monitoring (Months 2-6)*
Quarterly inspections for new activity
Verify moisture repairs were effective
Treat any new satellite colonies that emerge
DIY success rate: 5-10%
Professional success rate: 90-95%
Timeline: 3-6 weeks for complete elimination
Cost Reality:
Professional carpenter ant treatment: $400-800
Plus moisture repairs: $500-3,000 (depending on extent)
Cost of ignoring problem: $5,000-20,000 structural damage
Seattle Neighborhood Hot Spots:
Highest carpenter ant activity in:
West Seattle, Ballard, Magnolia (older homes, mature trees, hillside moisture)
Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville (wooded lots, tree overhang)
Bellevue Somerset, Factoria (1960s-70s housing stock with settling)
When to Call Emergency Service:
Finding 20+ carpenter ants daily indoors
Sawdust piles accumulating weekly
Soft, spongy wood when you press on window frames
Rustling sounds inside walls at night
Winged carpenter ants (swarmers) emerging from baseboards in spring
Ant #3: Moisture Ants (Your Water Damage Alarm System)
What You’re Seeing: Small yellow brown ants (3-5mm) near water sources or damp areas
Also called: Yellow ants, cornfield ants (though they’re not the true cornfield ant species)
Visual Identification:
Size: Medium larger than odorous house ants, smaller than carpenter ants
Color: Yellow, yellow brown, or light brown (rarely black)
Location: ALWAYS associated with moisture if you see them, you have water intrusion
Where You’ll Find Moisture Ants:
Interior locations:
Clustered near leaky window (condensation dripping onto sill)
Under bathroom sink with slow plumbing leak
Basement walls with seepage
Crawl space insulation with condensation
Around HVAC condensate line
Near water heater drip pan
Exterior locations:
Foundation cracks with water seepage
Landscape beds against house foundation (poor drainage)
Under downspouts that discharge too close to house
Rotted deck boards in contact with soil
The Critical Difference from Other Ants:
Moisture ants are NOT primarily interested in food. They’re nesting in the moist, decaying wood and consuming the fungus growing there. Killing the ants WITHOUT fixing the water problem is completely pointless new ants will establish within weeks.
Why Moisture Ants Are Actually Helpful (Sort Of):
Think of moisture ants as your home’s moisture detection system. Their presence is screaming: “You have water damage happening right now that will cause rot, mold, and structural failure if not addressed.”
Problems moisture ants indicate:
Active roof leak
Plumbing leak inside walls
Foundation crack allowing water intrusion
Improper grading directing water toward foundation
Failed exterior caulking
Inadequate crawl space ventilation
Gutter system not functioning properly
Damage Timeline:
Months 1-3: Moisture problem begins (leak, condensation, poor drainage)
Months 4-6: Wood begins decay, fungus growth starts
Months 7-12: Moisture ants discover location and establish colony
Year 2: Wood rot advanced, mold growth likely
Year 3+: Structural damage, expensive repairs required
Why Spraying Moisture Ants Is Pointless:
You can kill every moisture ant in your house today. If you don’t fix the moisture issue, new moisture ants will appear within 2-4 weeks because:
The moisture and fungus remain (attracting new colonies)
The existing nest may have backup queens that restart colony
Neighboring colonies detect the ideal habitat and move in
The Right Approach to Moisture Ant Elimination:
Step 1: Identify moisture source
Professional inspection with moisture meter and thermal camera locates:
Hidden plumbing leaks
Roof penetration failures
Foundation seepage
Condensation sources
Step 2: Fix the water problem
This might involve:
Roof repair
Plumbing repair
Foundation crack sealing
Improved drainage
Enhanced ventilation
Gutter system improvements
Step 3: Remove damaged wood
Wood with advanced decay must be replaced it will never recover and remains vulnerable
Step 4: Eliminate ant colony
Once moisture is resolved, treating ants is straightforward with dust or spray applications
DIY success rate: 20% (because homeowners identify moisture source incorrectly)
Professional success rate: 85% (depends on thoroughness of repairs)
Timeline: Immediate ant control, but monitoring needed for 6-12 months
Cost Reality:
Moisture inspection: $150-300
Moisture repairs: $500-5,000 (highly variable depends on issue)
Ant treatment: $200-400
Cost of ignoring: $10,000-30,000 (rot, mold remediation, structural repairs)
Seattle Area Moisture Ant Hot Spots:
Highest activity in:
Renton, Kent, Federal Way (valley locations, higher water tables)
Older Seattle basements (pre1960 construction, limited waterproofing)
Eastside properties near wetlands or streams
Any home with aging roof (20+ years), gutters not maintained
Quick Reference: Other Seattle Area Ants
Pavement Ants (Sidewalk Dwellers)
What they look like: Small (2-3mm), dark brown to black
Where found: Cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios
Why they matter: Rarely invade homes, mostly exterior nuisance
What works: Perimeter treatment prevents indoor entry
Cost: Usually included in general pest control service
Thatching Ants (The Yard Ants)
What they look like: Medium-large (4-9mm), red and black coloring
Where found: Large outdoor mounds covered with pine needles/grass
Why they matter: Painful bite, protect outdoor living spaces
What works: Direct mound treatment (don’t disturb first)
Warning: Aggressive when nest disturbed can swarm and bite
Pharaoh Ants (The Hospital Pest)
What they look like: Very small (1.5-2mm), light yellow or reddish
Where found: Hospitals, commercial kitchens (rare in Seattle homes)
Why they matter: Spread disease in medical facilities
What works: Specialized baiting program (DON’T spray causes budding worse than odorous house ants)
Argentine Ants (The Super Colony)
What they look like: Small (2-3mm), light to dark brown
Where found: Increasingly common in Seattle proper
Why they matter: Form massive supercolonies with millions of workers
What works: Professional multi site treatment
Note: Climate change expanding their range northward expect more sightings
Seattle Ant Season Calendar: When to Expect Activity
March – April: The Spring Awakening
Carpenter ants wake from winter dormancy
Winged reproductives (swarmers) emerge for mating flights
First outdoor foraging begins
Odorous house ants begin indoor invasion
May – June: Peak Season Begins
All species at maximum activity
Highest call volume for ant problems
Moisture ants swarm near water-damaged areas
Best time for preventive treatment (before colonies explode)
July – August: The Hot Stretch
Activity remains high but stable
Odorous house ants most visible (seeking water)
Carpenter ant foraging peaks
Treatment most effective (ants actively feeding on baits)
September – October: The Fall Push
Ants stockpiling food before winter
Second smaller swarming period for carpenter ants
Moisture ants following fall rains into new leak sites
BEST time to treat for year-long control
November – February: Winter Slowdown
Outdoor activity minimal
Indoor ant sightings decrease but don’t stop
Carpenter ants hibernate in wall voids
Good time for moisture repairs without ant interference
Pro Tip: Schedule ant service in September-October for best results. Fall treatments eliminate colonies before winter, prevent spring invasion, and cost less (off peak pricing).
The Real Cost of DIY Ant Control Why It Usually Backfires
Let’s be honest about what happens when you try DIY ant control:
The DIY Ant Control Journey:
Week 1: Buy $12.99 ant spray from Home Depot
Kill the ants you can see
Feel victorious
Cost: $13
Week 2: Ants return, now in two rooms
Buy $19.99 “professional strength” spray
Buy $15.99 ant bait stations
Cost: $36
Week 3: More ants than ever
Research online (“colony budding” sounds bad)
Buy $24.99 outdoor perimeter treatment
Cost: $25
Week 4: Ants now in four rooms
Frustration peaks
Call professional
Cost: $350 for treatment
Total DIY cost: $74 + 4 weeks of frustration + problem got worse
Cost if you’d called professional Week 1: $250-350 + problem solved
Why DIY Fails (The Science):
Reason 1: Wrong product
Store-bought sprays are repellent based (ants detect and avoid)
Professional products are non repellent (ants contact unknowingly)
Reason 2: Wrong application
You’re treating where you see ants (wrong location)
Professionals treat where ants nest (source elimination)
Reason 3: Wrong species knowledge
You think all ants respond to same treatment
Different species require completely different approaches
*Reason 4: No follow through*
One treatment rarely eliminates established colonies
Professional programs include follow-up visits
When DIY Makes Sense:
DIY might work IF:
You caught it within first 2-3 days of seeing ants
It’s clearly a scout patrol (under 10 ants total)
You can identify species correctly
You buy professional-grade non-repellent products ($40-60 online)
You’re willing to do 3-4 treatments over 2 weeks
You seal all entry points
Realistic DIY success rate: 15-20%
When to Call Professional Immediately:
You see 20+ ants daily
Ants are in multiple rooms
You tried DIY for 7+ days with no improvement
You see sawdust (carpenter ants causing damage)
Ants returning within days of treatment
You can’t identify species confidently
You have immunocompromised family members (food contamination risk)
Neighborhood Specific Ant Problems in King County
After 20+ years serving King County, we’ve identified geographic patterns in ant infestations:
North Seattle (Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, Shoreline):
Primary: Carpenter ants (mature tree canopy, older housing stock)
Secondary: Odorous house ants
Unique factor: Hillside properties have drainage issues creating moisture ant problems
Peak season: May-July
Central Seattle (Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Magnolia):
Primary: Odorous house ants (dense housing, shared walls spread colonies)
Secondary: Carpenter ants in older homes
Unique factor: Multi-family buildings create super-colonies of odorous house ants
Peak season: April-August
South Seattle (West Seattle, Georgetown, Beacon Hill):
Primary: Carpenter ants
Secondary: Moisture ants (older basements, foundation issues)
Unique factor: Proximity to industrial areas, standing water concerns
Peak season: May-September
Eastside – Bellevue Core:
Primary: Odorous house ants (landscaping with bark mulch)
Secondary: Pavement ants
Unique factor: Newer construction has hidden gaps in modern siding systems
Peak season: April-July
Eastside – Woodinville, Sammamish, Issaquah:
Primary: Carpenter ants (forested lots, abundant wood)
Secondary: Thatching ants (yard nuisance)
Unique factor: Wooded settings bring ants from natural habitat
Peak season: May-August
South King County (Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn):
Primary: Moisture ants (valley locations, higher water tables)
Secondary: Odorous house ants
Unique factor: Clay soil, poor drainage creates persistent moisture issues
Peak season: March-October (longer season due to moisture)
Frequently Asked Questions: Seattle Ant Identification & Control
Q: How can I tell if I have carpenter ants or odorous house ants?
A: Three definitive tests: Size test Carpenter ants are 5-10X larger than odorous house ants. If the ant is pinhead sized, it’s odorous house. If it’s pencil eraser sized, it’s carpenter. Smell test – Crush one ant. Smells like rotten coconut odorous house ant (100% certain). No strong smell likely carpenter ant. Location test Seeing them on kitchen counters in trails to food odorous house ants. Seeing them near windows, doors, wood trim carpenter ants. If you’re still uncertain, text us a photo at (206) 571-7580 and we’ll identify it free.
Q: Why do ants come back after I spray them?
A: Store bought ant sprays contain repellent chemicals that ants can detect and avoid. When you spray, three things happen: Worker ants carry warning signals back to nest. The colony relocates to avoid the sprayed area (now you have ants in a different room). For odorous house ants, the stress triggers “budding” where one colony splits into multiple colonies. You literally multiply your problem. Professional treatment uses non-repellent products ants cannot detect they contact the product unknowingly and carry it back to the nest, eliminating the entire colony.
Q: I only see a few ants. Is it really a problem?
A: Those “few ants” are scout workers from a colony that contains thousands to hundreds of thousands of individuals. For every ant you see, there are 200-500 you don’t see. Those scouts are mapping your home, locating food sources, and reporting back. Within 1-2 weeks, those “few ants” become organized trails of hundreds. The best time to treat is NOW while the infestation is small. Small infestations cost $150-300 to eliminate. Large infestations cost $400-800.
Q: Are the ants I’m seeing the “sugar ants” everyone talks about?
A: “Sugar ants” isn’t an actual species name it’s a catchall term people use for small ants attracted to sweets. In Seattle, “sugar ants” are almost always odorous house ants. True sugar ants (Camponotus consobrinus) are native to Australia and don’t exist in Washington. Some people also call pavement ants “sugar ants.” But if you’re in Seattle and calling them sugar ants, you probably have odorous house ants. Do the smell test (crush one) rotten coconut smell confirms it.
Q: Will ants go away on their own in winter?
A: No. Seattle’s mild climate allows year-round ant activity. Outdoor foraging slows in winter, but colonies remain active in protected locations. Carpenter ants hibernate inside wall voids but emerge immediately when spring arrives. Odorous house ants may actually increase indoor activity in winter (seeking warmth and moisture). Waiting for winter doesn’t solve the problem it gives the colony 6 months to grow larger. Treat in fall for best results.
Q: Can I prevent ants without pesticides?
A: Prevention reduces ant problems but rarely eliminates established colonies. Effective prevention steps: Seal entry points (caulk cracks around windows, doors, utility penetrations). Fix moisture problems (leaks, condensation, poor drainage). Eliminate food sources (wipe counters, seal food containers, empty trash daily). Remove wood-to-soil contact (firewood, landscape timber). Trim vegetation away from house (12+ inches clearance). This prevents NEW infestations effectively. But if you already have an established colony, these steps alone won’t eliminate it you need treatment.
Q: How much does professional ant control cost in Seattle?
A: Transparent pricing for King County: Odorous house ants (little black ants): $150-300 for typical single family home. Includes initial treatment, follow-up visit, and warranty. Carpenter ants: $400-800 depending on severity and number of nest sites. Includes inspection, elimination program, and exclusion work. Add $200-500 if extensive moisture repairs needed. Moisture ants: $300-600 for ant treatment, but moisture repairs vary widely ($500-5,000 depending on issue). Quarterly prevention program: $100-150 per quarterly visit, protects against all species year-round. Emergency same day service: Add $100-150 to base price. Price depends on infestation severity, home size, accessibility, and number of follow-up visits needed.
Q: What’s the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
A: Easy visual identification: Carpenter ants: Large (6-13mm), elbowed antennae, pinched waist, dark coloring, leave sawdust piles (frass). Termites: Small (4-6mm), straight antennae, thick uniform body, light coloring, leave mud tubes on foundation. Behavior difference: Carpenter ants don’t eat wood carpenter ants excavate it to nest. You’ll see them foraging outside. Termites eat wood and rarely seen above ground. Damage difference: Carpenter ants create smooth, clean galleries in wood. Termites leave wood with mud/soil-packed tunnels. Seattle reality: Carpenter ants are 50X more common than termites in King County. If you’re seeing large ants, it’s almost certainly carpenter ants not termites.
Q: Can ants cause health problems for my family?
A: Ants pose moderate health risks: Food contamination: Ants walking across countertops transfer bacteria from outside (including sewage, animal waste, dead insects). Odorous house ants contaminate food packages, sugar containers, and food prep surfaces. Bites/stings: Carpenter ants can bite defensively (painful but not dangerous). Thatching ants spray formic acid when biting (causes welts, painful for pets). Allergic reactions: Rare, but some people develop allergic sensitivity to ant proteins. Asthma triggers: Ant parts and waste can become airborne, triggering asthma in sensitive individuals. Psychological stress: Large infestations cause significant anxiety and sleep disruption. Most significant risk is food contamination. If you have immunocompromised family members, infant in the home, or food allergies, eliminate ant infestations immediately.
Free Ant Identification Service from AMPM Exterminators
Not sure which ant species you’re dealing with? We’ll identify it free no obligation.
Three ways to get identification:
Option 1: Photo Identification (Fastest)
Text photo to: (206) 571-7580
Include: Where you found them, approximate size, behavior
We’ll identify within 2 hours during business hours
100% free, no pressure to book service
Option 2: In Person Inspection
Schedule free inspection at your home
We identify species, locate nests, assess severity
Provide written recommendation and cost estimate
Book service or decline no hard sell, no pressure
Option 3: Bring Sample to Office
Bring live or dead ants in sealed container/bag
We’ll examine under magnification
Discuss treatment options that match your budget
Walk ins welcome during business hours
What happens after identification:
We provide:
Species confirmed
Severity assessment (light/moderate/severe)
Treatment options explained
Honest assessment of DIY vs professional
Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Written estimate valid 30 days
No obligation to book service. We’d rather you understand what you’re dealing with than guess and waste money on wrong treatment.
The AMPM Advantage: Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Us for Ant Control
20+ Years King County Experience
We’ve treated tens of thousands of ant infestations across every Seattle neighborhood. We know the local species, seasonal patterns, and construction types that create problems.
Species-Specific Treatment
We don’t use one size fits all approach. Carpenter ants get carpenter ant treatment. Odorous house ants get colony-elimination protocol. Moisture ants get moisture inspection first.
Honest Assessment
If DIY will work for your situation, we’ll tell you. If you need professional help, we explain exactly why. No scare tactics, no upselling services you don’t need.
Cost Transparency
Clear pricing before we start. Written estimates. No surprise charges. Payment due after service, not before.
Guaranteed Results
30-day elimination warranty on all treatments. If ants return within warranty period, we retreat at no charge. Quarterly programs include unlimited free visits between scheduled services.
Licensed & Insured
Washington State licensed pest control operators. $2M liability insurance. Workers compensation coverage. Bonded and insured for your protection.
Same Day Emergency Service Available
Carpenter ants causing visible damage? Ants swarming at customer-facing business? We offer same day service throughout King County (surcharge applies).
Family & Pet Safe Products
Professional grade products used in manner that protects children and pets. Lower toxicity options available for sensitive households.
Schedule Your Free Ant Identification & Inspection
Stop guessing which ants you have. Get professional identification and honest treatment recommendations free, no obligation.
Call AMPM Exterminators: (206) 571-7580
Or text ant photos to: (206) 571-7580
Or request online inspection: ampmexterminators.com
Serving all King County communities:
Seattle (all neighborhoods), Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Bothell, Woodinville, Newcastle, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Tukwila, Burien, SeaTac, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park
Available 7 days/week
Regular hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM-6 PM, Sunday 9 AM-5 PM
Emergency service: Call for same-day appointments
Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Washington State Pest Control License #
Fully insured for your protection
20+ years serving King County
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