Ant infestations are a common concern in Maple Ridge, BC, due to the region’s temperate climate, dense vegetation, and blend of older and newer buildings. As temperatures rise or rainfall increases, ants are often drawn indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter, creating persistent issues for both homeowners and businesses.
Abell Pest Control provides professional ant control solutions tailored to properties across Maple Ridge. Our licensed technicians begin with a comprehensive inspection to locate entry points and identify nesting areas. We then apply targeted, safe treatments that address the root of the infestation and help prevent it from returning.
Every property is different, which is why we customize our approach based on your unique needs. Whether you're dealing with ants in a single-family home, commercial building, or multi-unit complex, our goal is long-term protection, not just temporary relief.
If you’re noticing signs of ant activity around doors, windows, baseboards, or kitchens, don’t wait. Early intervention can help stop the infestation before it spreads and reduce the chance of future problems.
Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:
If you're seeing large black ants in your home, you might be dealing with a carpenter ant infestation. These ants don’t consume wood, but they burrow into it to create galleries for nesting. They favor moisture-damaged wood, commonly found in attics, crawlspaces, and around windows or sinks. They often build a primary nest with multiple satellite colonies nearby. Outdoors, nests appear in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles. Entry into homes typically occurs through cracks in wood siding, unsealed vents, or loose window frames. For effective carpenter ant control, early detection is key.
Pavement ants are a common sight in residential areas, especially near concrete walkways and foundations. They’re small, dark in colour, and tend to move in long, organized trails. These ants can enter homes through even the smallest cracks around doors and windows. Though they’re mostly harmless, they are capable of stinging or biting when disturbed.
Pharaoh Ants are very small, light-colored ants that hide in cracks, wall voids, and behind appliances. Their colonies contain multiple queens and reproduce rapidly by budding, allowing them to spread through entire buildings. They are known for causing problems in hospitals, restaurants, and apartments due to their ability to contaminate food and transmit bacteria. These pests thrive in warm, humid indoor areas and are notoriously difficult to control.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The larger yellow ant, better known as the citronella ant, builds nests under logs, stones, or next to foundations. They are drawn indoors during mating swarms, attracted to damp spaces. Feeding primarily on honeydew from root-feeding insects, they can be a frustrating yet harmless household visitor.
The big-headed ant, named for its enlarged head, often builds nests around homes in soil under rocks, wood, and foundations. Although they don’t pose a threat to structures, their large colonies make them difficult to eradicate completely. Environmental shifts such as excessive rain or high temperatures may lead them indoors. They are widespread in warm, subtropical climates and are known for causing recurring infestations when left unchecked.
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.
Is it better to handle an ant problem on my own or bring in a pest control service?
While store-bought sprays and bait traps can sometimes reduce the number of ants you see, they usually don't reach the nest where the real problem lies. Ant colonies often hide deep inside walls, under flooring, or outside in hard-to-reach areas. For a long-term solution, professional help is the most reliable option. Abell Pest Control in Maple Ridge offers expert identification and targeted treatments that go straight to the source and eliminate ants effectively.
Which ant species are most frequently found inside Maple Ridge homes?
Maple Ridge homes and businesses often deal with a few main types of ants. These include:
Knowing exactly which species you're dealing with is essential for choosing the right treatment and avoiding repeat infestations.
Which ant species pose the greatest risk?
Proper identification of the species helps assess the threat level and determine how quickly treatment should be applied.
What are the warning signs of an ant infestation?
You might have an ant problem if you notice any of the following:
If these signs show up, it’s a good idea to contact Abell Pest Control in Maple Ridge for a professional inspection.
How can I stop ants from entering my home?
To help keep ants outside where they belong, take these preventive measures:
Routine pest control inspections can help catch issues early before they turn into serious infestations.
How do carpenter ants and termites differ?
Although both pests can damage wood, they have different behaviors and feeding habits:
A licensed pest control technician can identify the pest and recommend the right solution.
What should I expect to pay for professional ant control in Maple Ridge?
The price of ant extermination services depends on several factors, including:
