Southeast Alaska’s Summer Pest Problem Starts with Ants
The rainforests of Southeast Alaska are beautiful—but for local homeowners, they also bring an annual summer battle with pests. While wasps and spiders get their fair share of attention, ants are the quiet invaders that often go unnoticed—until it’s too late.
At Alaska Pest Management (APM), we’ve seen firsthand how a few ants foraging around the sink can quickly lead to colonies numbering in the thousands. That’s why our Spider, Ant, and Wasp Summer Treatments include a targeted ant control system that doesn’t just kill on contact—it eliminates the colony at its source.
Why Ants Love Southeast Alaska
Moisture. Shelter. Food. These three elements make Ketchikan, Juneau, and other Southeast Alaska towns prime real estate for ant colonies.
- High humidity and constant rain create damp conditions ants love
- Older homes, especially with crawlspaces or untreated wood, provide nesting sites
- Crumbs, pet food, or leaking pipes attract foragers into kitchens and bathrooms
The most common offenders we see in the region include:
- Carpenter Ants: Large black ants that hollow out damp or decaying wood to build nests, causing structural damage over time
- Moisture Ants: Thrive in damp wood and are a sign of underlying moisture problems
- Pavement Ants: Enter through cracks in foundations or walls
While a few ants might seem like no big deal, they’re usually the first scouts—mapping out food sources for thousands more to follow.
How Ant Colonies Grow—Fast
Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: ant colonies multiply fast. A small nest near your foundation today can become a fully established colony with multiple satellite nests in just weeks.
Ant infestation timeline:
- Scout ants enter through a crack, following a scent trail to food or moisture.
- They return to the nest and recruit foragers.
- If food and shelter are abundant, the colony expands inside your walls, insulation, or crawlspace.
- Secondary satellite nests form nearby, making DIY control nearly impossible.
Without treatment, infestations can lead to:
- Wood damage (especially from moisture ants)
- Structural concerns
- Food contamination
- Allergen exposure from ant trails
Why DIY Ant Control Fails in Southeast Alaska
Many homeowners reach for over-the-counter sprays or traps—but that approach only solves a tiny part of the problem.
Common mistakes:
- Killing foragers on the spot – This only removes a few visible ants, not the colony
- Using repellent sprays – These can cause colonies to scatter and split, making things worse
- Missing moisture issues – Without correcting leaks or rot, you’re inviting them back
In Southeast Alaska’s unique climate, ant control needs to be strategic, seasonal, and designed for the environment.
APM’s Summer Treatment: A Complete Solution
At APM, our summer service isn’t just a quick spray-and-go. It’s a multi-step, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan tailored to the local pest pressures of Southeast Alaska.
Step 1: Full Property Inspection
- We identify nesting sites, moisture problems, and entry points
- Our technicians examine kitchens, bathrooms, baseboards, and the perimeter of your home
Step 2: Non-Repellent Ant Treatment
- We use professional-grade, non-repellent products ants carry back to the colony
- These don’t alarm the ants—instead, they work slowly to eliminate the entire nest
Step 3: Perimeter Barrier Protection
- A long-lasting, eco-conscious perimeter spray deters ants, spiders, and wasps
- This barrier is safe for pets and families, and effective even in wet weather
Step 4: Addressing Contributing Factors
- We identify and advise on leaks, cracks, or crawlspace issues that attract ants.
- You’ll receive clear prevention steps to keep pests out long after we leave.
Bonus: Spiders and Wasps Included
Your Summer Treatment from APM includes protection from two other seasonal nuisances:
- Spiders: Often follow ant trails and moisture; we eliminate them and remove webs
- Wasps: Especially yellowjackets, which become aggressive in late summer—we neutralize nests and apply wasp deterrents around porches, eaves, and outdoor structures
Note: Wasp control is included as part of APM’s broader exterior insect treatments and supported by their proven “Shield” approach.
Don’t Let Crumbs Become Colonies—Call APM Today
If you’ve spotted a trail of ants, it’s not just a summer annoyance—it’s a sign of a growing colony. The sooner you act, the easier it is to eliminate.
With APM’s Summer Treatment, you get:
- A proven plan designed for Southeast Alaska’s unique conditions
- Targeted treatment that works
- Protection from ants, spiders, and wasps all season long
Stay ahead of the pests—before crumbs turn into colonies. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
