Workshops on ant identification are offered in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to pest management professionals (PMPs). Number of workshops varies from 3-7 each year since 1996. Classes have a capacity of 24 for each four-hour session. Participants receive a preserved collection of approximately 25-30 ants in alcohol, keys for identification, a hand lens, plus information of biology, life cycles, and management of specific ants. Workshop sites have access to dissection microscopes with lights. Common local ants encountered in pest management are presented as well as exotic species that have the potential of becoming an invasive species. Common ants include: thatching ants, moisture ants, false honey ants, odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, pavement ants, harvester ants, velvety tree ants, and carpenter ants. Several species of carpenter ants are presented with keys for identification. Exotic ant species that PMPs may encounter are presented: Argentine ants, ghost ants, red imported fire ants, little fire ants, European fire ants, and rover ants. Evaluations by participants indicate the information and guidance in the use of identification keys plus the availability of the take-home specimens add to their professional development and are an asset in working with clients.
