Sault Ste. Marie, nestled in Northern Ontario along the St. Mary’s River, is surrounded by forests, lakes, and residential neighborhoods. This mix of urban development and nearby wilderness creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive, particularly during the wet springs and warm, humid summers.
As temperatures rise, ant activity increases, with species like carpenter ants and pavement ants becoming especially common. These pests often invade homes and businesses in search of food and moisture, taking advantage of the city’s green spaces to move freely between outdoor areas and buildings.
If you're dealing with an ant infestation in your Sault Ste. Marie home or commercial property, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our local experts understand the unique pest challenges of the region. We’ll identify how ants are entering, uncover what’s attracting them, and implement effective treatments to eliminate the problem, and help keep them from coming back.
Effective ant control starts with proper identification. Different species behave differently depending on their environment, whether in urban neighbourhoods or more wooded areas. That’s why each infestation requires a customized approach for lasting results.
Carpenter Ants are a serious nuisance that can quietly damage your home. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but remove it to create intricate nesting tunnels. They thrive in areas with excess moisture, such as basements, attic beams, and around leaking windows. These ants enter homes through damaged wood, cracks near doors, or small gaps in exterior walls. Once inside, they can build nests in wooden doors, behind drywall, or near plumbing. Signs of carpenter ants include rustling sounds in walls, small piles of sawdust, and nighttime sightings of large, black ants.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
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.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown ants commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, foundation slabs, and between walls. They can enter homes and buildings through tiny cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While generally harmless, they can bite or sting when disturbed, causing mild discomfort. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants one of the most noticeable ant problems in urban areas.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellow ants that favour warm, humid indoor environments. Their colonies include multiple queens and can expand through budding, making infestations difficult to contain. They typically hide in cracks, wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. These ants are a serious concern in places like hospitals, apartments, and restaurants, where they can contaminate food and surfaces and transmit harmful pathogens./p>
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.
With heads significantly larger than their bodies, big-headed ants are easy to spot. These ants usually build their nests outdoors, in soil beneath stones, foundations, rotting wood, and stumps. Although they don't destroy structures, the large size of their colonies can make control efforts frustrating and prolonged. When outdoor conditions become unfavorable, they may move indoors in search of better shelter. They are a common pest in subtropical zones worldwide.
What Types of Ants Commonly Invade Homes?
Homeowners often encounter several types of ants indoors, including sugar-loving odorous house ants, wood-damaging carpenter ants, pavement ants nesting in cracks, and fast-spreading pharaoh ants. Each species behaves differently, so identifying the ant type is essential for choosing the most effective removal method.
How Can I Spot an Ant Infestation in My House?
Frequent ant sightings in your kitchen or along baseboards, trails of marching ants, tiny piles of sawdust or dirt, and the presence of winged ants may all point to an infestation. If you’re seeing these warning signs, especially around food or water sources, it's time to act.
Which Ant Species Are a Threat to My Home or Health?
Most ants are harmless, but some can be destructive or pose health risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood by hollowing it out to nest. Fire ants can deliver painful stings and trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria and can be particularly problematic in healthcare settings. Identifying the species helps determine the urgency and type of treatment required.
How Can I Keep Ants Out of My House Naturally and Effectively?
To prevent ants, maintain a clean home. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills right away, and take out garbage regularly. Inspect and seal cracks or holes near doors, windows, and the foundation. Eliminating moisture sources and trimming plants away from the home can also help deter ant activity.
How Do I Know If It’s Ants or Termites in My House?
Carpenter ants and termites can look similar, but termites eat wood, while carpenter ants only dig through it to nest. Carpenter ants are usually larger and may be seen foraging indoors. A pest control professional can inspect your home to determine which pest is present and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can I Get Rid of Ants on My Own or Should I Call a Professional?
While DIY ant control methods might offer quick relief, they often fail to eliminate the underlying issue. Ant colonies commonly nest deep within walls, under floors, or in hard-to-reach outdoor locations. Without proper identification and targeted treatment, ants are likely to return.
The Abell team in Sault Ste. Marie is skilled at identifying the exact ant species, locating their nests, and applying effective treatments designed to deliver lasting results.
If ants are invading your home, business, or property in Sault Ste. Marie, get in touch with us today. Our knowledgeable local technicians provide fast and dependable service backed by years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you require a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Is the Average Price for Ant Control in Sault Ste. Marie?
The cost of ant control in Sault Ste. Marie depends on the ant species, the size of the infestation, and the type of treatment needed. Abell can often diagnose the problem and give you a quote over the phone after asking a few questions.
