Ant infestations are a common issue for homes and businesses in Laval, particularly during the warmer months. The city’s mix of urban neighbourhoods, green spaces, and riverfront properties provides ideal conditions for ants to enter buildings in search of food, water, and shelter.
If you’re seeing ants inside your home or commercial space, Abell Pest Control in Laval is ready to help. Our local technicians conduct a thorough inspection to determine how ants are entering, identify what’s attracting them, and apply precise, targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation.
Accurate identification of the ant species is key to long-term success. Abell’s trained professionals use species-specific solutions to ensure effective and lasting ant control tailored to your property.
Common Ant Species
These small, dark brown ants are often seen in cities and suburbs, where they nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Known as pavement ants, they commonly invade homes through small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Though they’re not aggressive, they may bite or sting when disturbed. Homeowners typically notice them by the long trails they form while foraging.
Carpenter Ants are wood-destroying pests that build nests by chewing through damp or decaying wood. Though they don’t eat wood like termites, they tunnel through it to create space for their colonies. These ants usually nest around moist areas such as windows, bathrooms, or leaky basements. They can enter your home through cracks, wood rot, or loose siding. Outside, they prefer decaying tree trunks or wet firewood. Inside, they target hollow spaces like door panels and wall cavities. Seeing large black ants crawling indoors, especially at night, is a strong indicator of a carpenter ant infestation.
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.
Known for their oversized heads, big-headed ants often make nests in the soil surrounding homes. They're typically found under pavers, near foundations, or hidden in decaying wood and yard debris. These ants don’t harm structures directly, but their large colonies can be incredibly difficult to eliminate once established. Though primarily outdoor dwellers, changes in moisture or temperature may drive them inside. They’re frequently encountered in subtropical climates around the world.
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 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.
European Fire Ants are invasive pests known for their intense sting and aggressive swarming behavior. They typically build nests in moist, shaded environments, including under logs, in lawns, or inside potted plants. These ants make backyard living uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
How to Prevent Ants in Your Home in Laval
Ants are a frequent problem for homeowners in Laval, especially during the dry, warm months. If you're looking for ways to stop ants from entering your home, these simple prevention tips can help:
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation?
You may have an ant problem if you notice:
If ants are seen frequently, contact a pest control expert from Abell in Laval for an inspection.
What types of ants are commonly found in Laval?
In Laval, the most common ants include:
Identifying the species is essential for choosing the right treatment and preventing future infestations.
Which ant species are the most harmful to my home or health?
A proper species ID helps assess the risk and treatment needs.
Can I get rid of ants myself, or should I call a professional?
DIY ant sprays and traps may offer temporary relief, but they rarely eliminate the entire colony. Ant nests are often hidden in walls, under floors, or outside in hard-to-reach places. Without expert help, the ants usually return.
Abell Pest Control in Laval provides professional ant removal with proven, long-lasting results. Our licensed technicians identify the exact ant species, locate the nest, and apply targeted treatments designed for your specific situation.
What’s the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
A professional pest inspection is the best way to confirm which pest is present.
How much does professional ant control cost in Laval?
The cost of ant extermination varies based on:
Abell Pest Control can often provide a free quote after a quick phone assessment.