As spring and summer arrive in Orléans, ants become an increasingly common nuisance in homes and businesses. Species like pavement ants and carpenter ants are especially active during warmer months, often moving indoors in search of food and shelter. Their seasonal movement can quickly turn into an infestation if left unchecked.
Orléans' mix of suburban development, wooded areas, and green spaces creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive. The proximity to natural features like the Ottawa River, parks, and trails adds to the challenge by providing ants with plenty of nesting grounds nearby.
If you’re dealing with unwanted ants, Abell Pest Control in Orléans is ready to help. Our local technicians are familiar with the specific ant problems in the area. We take a proactive approach identifying how ants are entering, what’s attracting them, and applying precise, long-lasting treatments to stop infestations at the source.
Effective ant control in Orléans starts with proper identification Knowing exactly which species you are dealing with is essential for eliminating the problem and preventing it from returning.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown insects commonly found nesting beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They often enter homes through small cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While they’re not considered dangerous, they can bite or sting if disturbed. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants a frequent nuisance in urban environments.
A carpenter ant infestation can result in significant structural damage over time. These large ants dig into wood to form nests, often in moisture-prone areas like attics, under sinks, and near leaking windows. While they don’t consume the wood, their excavation weakens it. Outdoors, carpenter ants commonly inhabit rotted logs or stumps, while indoor nests are found in cabinets, hollow doors, or wall voids. Entry points include foundation cracks, rooflines, and siding gaps. Spotting these ants inside your home, especially at night, is one of the first signs of a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
Big-headed ants stand out because of their unusually large heads, which are much bigger than their bodies. They favor nesting in soil-rich environments around homes, such as under patio slabs, wood piles, and foundations. While not destructive to property, they can create persistent problems due to the sheer volume of ants in a colony. Though outdoor insects by nature, they may enter buildings when weather conditions change. These ants are especially common in subtropical regions across the globe.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ants)
Citronella ants, commonly known as the larger yellow ants, are widely distributed throughout North America. These insects are easily identified by their yellow-brown colouration and the lemon-like scent they produce when squashed. Favouring moist environments, they often establish colonies beneath logs, in wet soil, or near the foundations of buildings. Although they aren’t dangerous to humans and don’t interfere with food, their occasional indoor swarming during warmer seasons can be irritating. Rather than feeding on household scraps, citronella ants rely on the sugary honeydew secreted by insects living underground.
Pharaoh Ants are tiny, yellowish ants that form large colonies with multiple queens. They thrive in warm, humid indoor environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. Particularly problematic in apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, and foodservice settings, these ants are known for contaminating food and surfaces, making them a persistent nuisance.
The European fire ant is an aggressive invader that thrives in shady, moist locations such as gardens, lawns, compost piles, and potted plants. Their venomous sting causes intense pain and irritation, turning peaceful yards into problematic pest zones.
Tips to Prevent Ants in Your Home
Common Ants Found Indoors
Several species of ants are commonly encountered inside homes, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Pavement ants typically nest in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants are notorious for rapidly spreading throughout buildings. Proper identification is crucial for effective control and long-term prevention.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation in my home?
Common signs of an ant infestation include visible ant trails (in kitchens and along baseboards), small piles of dirt or sawdust near walls, and the presence of winged ants, which may indicate a mature colony. You may also notice ants clustering around food or moisture sources. If you see ants regularly, contact Abell.
What are the most dangerous or harmful types of ants to watch out for?
While most ants are simply a nuisance, some can pose risks. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood. Fire ants deliver painful stings and can trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants can spread bacteria and are particularly problematic in hospitals. Identifying the type of ant is essential to understanding the risk and the best treatment approach.
What’s the difference between regular ants and carpenter ants or termites?
Carpenter ants are larger than most household ants and are often mistaken for termites. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests, causing structural damage. A professional inspection can help determine which ant you are dealing with.
Do I need a pest control service for ants, or can I get rid of them myself?
Trying to tackle an ant problem on your own might offer temporary relief, but it rarely gets to the source. Ant colonies often nest in hard-to-reach places such as behind walls, under foundations, or in outdoor structures, making full removal a challenge without expert help.
At Abell Pest Control, our technicians are familiar with the ant species found in Orléans and the surrounding region. We know how to locate nests, identify what’s attracting the ants, and apply effective treatments that deliver lasting results.
If you're dealing with an ant infestation, reach out to Abell for trusted pest control in Orléans. Whether you need immediate removal or year-round prevention, our local team is here to help with professional service backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
How much does ant removal cost in Orléans?
Ant removal costs can vary based on the species, severity of the infestation, and the services needed. We can typically identify the ant species and provide you a quote right over the phone.
