Sherbrooke’s blend of residential neighbourhoods, nearby forests, and scenic landscapes creates the perfect setting for ants to thrive. As temperatures rise during spring and summer, common ants like pavement ants and carpenter ants often invade homes and businesses searching for food, moisture, and shelter. These seasonal shifts make ant infestations a frequent concern for property owners throughout Sherbrooke and surrounding areas.
If you’re spotting signs of ant activity in your home or commercial property, Abell Pest Control in Sherbrooke is ready to assist. Our experienced technicians take a proactive, thorough approach, starting with a detailed inspection to pinpoint how ants are gaining access and what’s attracting them. From there, we apply targeted, and species-specific treatments designed to eliminate the infestation and prevent future problems.
Successful ant control begins with correctly identifying the species involved. Since different ants have unique nesting habits, behaviours, and food preferences, understanding the type of ant is essential to crafting the most effective treatment plan for your property.
Carpenter Ants
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.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny, pale yellow ants with darker abdomens. They form massive colonies with multiple queens and reproduce by budding, which allows them to spread rapidly indoors. These ants thrive in warm, humid environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are especially difficult to eliminate. Common in apartments, hospitals, and restaurants, they contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing serious health risks.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also called large yellow ants, are common throughout North America. They have a yellow colour and give off a citrus-like odour when crushed. These ants prefer moist areas like soil, under logs, or near building foundations. Although they don’t harm humans or contaminate food, they can become a nuisance when they swarm indoors during warm months. Unlike other ants, citronella ants feed on honeydew from underground insects, not household food.
Pavement Ants
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.
Big-Headed Ants
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.
European Fire Ants
European Fire Ants can quickly become a major nuisance in outdoor environments. These aggressive insects prefer to nest in damp, shaded areas like gardens, under stones, and in decaying organic matter. Their painful stings can make outdoor activities uncomfortable or even unbearable.
Common Ants Found Indoors
Several species of ants are commonly encountered inside homes, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are drawn to sugary foods, while carpenter ants’ tunnel through moist or decaying wood, potentially leading to structural damage. 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 do I prevent ants from coming into my house?
Prevention starts with cleanliness and sealing entry points. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and take out the trash. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
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’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?
While DIY methods may offer short-term solutions, they rarely address the root of the problem. Without proper identification and treatment, ant colonies, often hidden deep in walls or underground, can quickly return.
Professionals like the team from Abell are trained to identify the ant species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments that deliver long-term results. Whether you need a one-time removal or long-term prevention, we're here 24/7 to help, and every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee!
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.
How much does ant removal cost in Sherbrooke?
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.
