M
oisture A
nts
Yellow ants and cornfield ants are collectively known as “moisture ants” in the Washington State. This includes a number of ant species that are in two major genera which are superficially similar in appearance and size. The two major groups are the yellow ants (Acanthomyops spp.), and the cornfield ants (Lasius spp.). Most pest species of these ants are yellow but can vary to dark brown.
These ants frequently appear associated with rotting wood and moisture in homes. These ants are an indicator species of a moisture problem. The main way to eliminate “moisture ants” is eliminating the moisture that has caused their appearance. Chemical control is typically not required unless nesting near the home or are being a nuisance.
Reproductive swarming occurs mainly in the late summer to early autumn time.
