King County’s Annual Spring Ant Invasion Why It Happens (And How to Stop It for Good) Every spring, homeowners and businesses across King County report the same problem: tiny ants suddenly swarming kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. From Sammamish to Bellevue, Redmond to Renton, the calls for ant extermination spike in March and April and if you’re seeing ants this season, you’re not alone. This guide explains why ants invade, which species are most common in King County, and what you can do to stop them before they take over your home or business. Why Ants Invade in the Spring Ant activity increases dramatically when temperatures warm up and colonies wake from winter dormancy. Here’s why you’re seeing ants now: Even spotless homes and well-maintained businesses are vulnerable ants go wherever the environment is warm, wet, and food friendly. The Most Common Ants in King County Homes & Businesses Sugar Ants (Odorous House Ants) These small black ants are notorious for forming long trails into kitchens and pantries. They’re attracted to sweets, grease, and crumbs. Carpenter Ants Much larger than sugar ants, carpenter ants can hollow out damp wood to create nests — sometimes causing structural damage. Pavement Ants Usually nest under sidewalks and driveways, but can invade ground-level kitchens when populations grow. Learn More About Our Ant Control Process → Homeowner Spring Ant Prevention Checklist Seal Food: Store cereal, sugar, and pet food in airtight containers. Fix Leaks: Check under sinks and around appliances for water leaks. Wipe Trails: Clean counters and floors with vinegar solution to remove scent trails. Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundation gaps. Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and tree branches from touching siding. Use Bait (Not Spray): Sprays can scatter colonies baiting is more effective. Business & Commercial Kitchen Checklist Daily Sanitation: Sweep, mop, and wipe down prep areas nightly. Seal Waste Bins: Keep dumpsters closed and far from building entrances. Employee Training: Teach staff to report sightings early. Professional Monitoring: Schedule seasonal inspections to avoid health code issues. Explore Commercial Pest Solutions → Eastside & King County Hotspots Sammamish: Ant trails inside outlets and baseboards Bellevue: Condo kitchens reporting sugar ant swarms Redmond: Commercial kitchens seeing fast infestations Issaquah: Outdoor patios and door trims attracting ants Kent & Renton: Warehouse and breakroom issues growing with spring warmth If you live or work in these areas, act early before ants establish permanent colonies inside your walls. When DIY Isn’t Enough If you’re still seeing trails after 48 hours of baiting, you may have a deeper nest issue requiring professional treatment. Request a Spring Ant Inspection → FAQs – Spring Ant Problems in King County Q: I sprayed ants last week why are they back?A: Sprays kill visible ants but don’t reach hidden colonies. Without baiting, they’ll just re-route and return. Q: Can ants really come through outlets or under dishwashers?A: Yes. Kitchens offer warmth and moisture ants often nest behind walls, under floors, and inside electrical outlets. Q: Should I treat now or wait until I see more?A: Spring is the best time to act before colonies expand. Waiting makes infestations harder to control. Q: Do businesses need professional monitoring?A: Yes. Regular inspections prevent surprise infestations that can lead to health code violations. Schedule Your Ant Inspection Today → Also Serving Bellevue, Sammamish, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, and all of King County. Final Call to Action Don’t wait until ants take over your home or shut down your restaurant kitchen. AMPM Exterminators provides safe, targeted ant control with follow-up to ensure full colony elimination. Call 206-571-7580 Request Your Ant Inspection Online →