Airdrie’s growing neighbourhoods, open green spaces, and changing seasonal weather create the right conditions for ant infestations. As temperatures rise in the spring and summer, ants often move indoors looking for food, water, and shelter. This makes ant problems a common concern for both homeowners and businesses in the area.
Abell Pest Control offers expert ant removal services for homes, rental properties, and commercial buildings. Our skilled technicians will inspect your property, identify how ants are entering, and apply effective treatments to eliminate the infestation.
Different ant species require specific solutions. Our team is trained to identify the species and apply the most effective method to resolve the issue efficiently. Here’s a look at some of the most common ant species and the specific challenges they bring.
Larger than the average ant species, carpenter ants’ tunnel into wood to create nests, but they don't feed on it. These ants typically target moist or decaying wood, often found in basements, attics, or near leaking windows. Entry points include cracks in siding, rotting trim, or roof overhangs. Outdoors, they inhabit damp environments such as rotted trees or stacks of untreated firewood. Indoors, they favor hidden, humid spaces like cabinets near plumbing or hollow-core doors. They maintain a central nest and set up several satellite colonies nearby. They're most visible at night and seeing them during warmer seasons often signals a hidden colony inside the structure.
Frequently found in cities and residential areas, pavement ants are small, dark-coloured ants that prefer to nest under concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They enter buildings through tiny openings around windows, doors, and other structural gaps. Though generally harmless, they can bite or sting when provoked. Their long foraging trails are usually the first sign of a growing colony.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellowish ants with darker tips on their bodies. They live in large colonies that contain multiple queens and multiply quickly through a process called budding. They often nest in warm, moist areas inside walls, kitchens, or bathrooms. Particularly common in apartment buildings, healthcare settings, and commercial kitchens, these ants can contaminate surfaces and food and are known to spread harmful bacteria.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, often called the larger yellow ant, is found throughout much of North America. These ants are known for their yellow-brown colouring and the citrus-like odour they release when crushed. They prefer to build their nests in damp environments, such as under logs, in moist soil, or around building foundations. Although they don’t pose a threat to humans and don’t contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during the warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of typical household food, they feed on the sugary honeydew secreted by underground insects.
European Fire Ants are notorious for their aggressive nature and extremely painful stings. Commonly found nesting in damp, shady areas like gardens, lawns, under rocks, decaying logs, and even potted plants, these invasive ants pose a serious problem. Their stings cause intense discomfort and irritation, turning outdoor spaces into danger zones.
Big-headed ants are named for their distinctively large heads compared to their small bodies. They are often found nesting in soil near homes, especially under patio stones, foundations, rotting wood, and tree stumps. Although these ants don’t cause direct structural damage, their massive colonies can be tough to eliminate and may lead to ongoing infestations. Typically, outdoor dwellers, they may invade indoor spaces when environmental factors like weather force them to relocate. Big-headed ants are widespread in subtropical climates around the world.
Why choose professional ant control in Airdrie over DIY, and how does Abell Pest Control deliver long-lasting results?
DIY sprays and baits may reduce sightings, but they rarely reach the colony. Nests hide behind walls, under floors, or outdoors, so ants return. Abell Pest Control’s licensed Airdrie technicians identify the exact species (including carpenter ants), locate hidden nests, and apply targeted treatments for long-lasting results in homes and businesses. Backed by a satisfaction guarantee and fast, reliable service, we make ant removal simple. Call Abell Pest Control in Airdrie for a quick inspection and a free quote.
What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Airdrie?
Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Airdrie area. The most common include:
Correct species identification is essential to applying the most effective treatment and preventing future infestations.
Which types of ants are most harmful?
Identifying the species helps determine the risk level and the urgency of treatment.
How do I know if I have an ant infestation?
Here are some common signs of an ant problem in your home:
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Airdrie.
What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?
What is the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
While both pests damage wood, they behave differently:
A trained pest control expert can confirm the pest type and recommend the best course of action.
How much does ant extermination cost in Airdrie?
The cost of professional ant control varies based on:
