Manitoulin Island's natural setting, with its forests, shoreline properties, and seasonal cottages, creates an ideal environment for ant activity. During the warmer months, ants commonly move indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter, making infestations a regular concern for both year-round residents and seasonal cottage owners.
Abell Pest Control provides professional ant control services across Manitoulin Island. Whether you live on the island full-time or need seasonal protection for your cottage, our technicians will inspect your property, find where ants are entering, and apply targeted treatments to stop the problem at its source.
Different ant species require different solutions. Our team is trained to identify the species accurately and use the right control methods for long-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 Ants)
Easily identified by the lemon scent they release when crushed, citronella ants thrive in moist habitats such as lawns, garden beds, and near foundation edges. Their diet consists of the sugary honeydew produced by aphids beneath the soil. Though non-invasive, swarming in spring can lead to unexpected infestations.
Often seen in and around homes, pavement ants are small, dark brown ants that thrive in urban settings. They build nests under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, and typically enter homes through small structural cracks. While not particularly dangerous, they may sting or bite if disturbed. Their highly visible trails make them one of the easier ant species to spot.
These tiny yellow ants are highly adaptable indoor pests. Pharaoh ants form large, multi-queen colonies and reproduce by budding, making infestations difficult to contain. They prefer warm, moist spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, or hidden voids behind walls. Often found in healthcare facilities, apartment complexes, and food-handling areas, they pose a threat by spreading pathogens and contaminating food and sterile surfaces.
European Fire Ants pose a serious threat to outdoor enjoyment. With their aggressive behavior and painful stings, these ants are often found in cool, moist areas like lawns, garden beds, rotting logs, and under stones. Their presence can quickly turn your yard into a hazard zone.
Easily recognized by their disproportionately large heads, big-headed ants typically nest outdoors in soil near man-made structures. Common nesting sites include under patios, foundations, and decaying wood. While they don’t cause physical harm to homes, they often form extensive colonies that are hard to manage. Under the right conditions, such as sudden weather changes, they may begin appearing indoors. These ants are found throughout many subtropical parts of the world.
What types of ants are most common on Manitoulin Island?
Several ant species are frequently found in homes and cottages across Manitoulin Island, including:
Identifying the ant species correctly is key to choosing the best treatment plan and preventing future infestations.
How can I tell if I have an ant problem in my home or cottage?
Watch for these signs of an infestation:
If these signs are present, it’s a good idea to contact Abell Pest Control for a thorough inspection.
Which ants pose the biggest threat to homes on Manitoulin Island?
Carpenter ants are the most damaging, as they excavate wood to build nests and can compromise structural integrity.
Proper identification helps determine whether immediate action is necessary.
How do I keep ants out of my home or cottage?
To prevent ant problems on Manitoulin Island:
Regular pest inspections from a local provider like Abell can catch early signs before they become larger issues.
How are carpenter ants different from termites?
A licensed pest control technician can determine which pest is causing the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.
Should I try to get rid of ants myself or call a professional?
Store-bought ant sprays and traps may reduce the number of visible ants, but they often fail to get rid of the entire colony. Ant nests are usually hidden deep inside walls, beneath flooring, or outside in difficult-to-access areas. Without professional treatment, the problem is likely to return.
Abell Pest Control offers expert ant control services across Manitoulin Island. Our licensed technicians are trained to identify the specific species of ant, locate nesting sites, and apply effective treatments tailored to your home or cottage.
Whether you're dealing with a one-time issue or need protection for the entire season, we provide fast and dependable service. Abell's solutions are backed by decades of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
How much does ant control cost on Manitoulin Island?
The price for professional ant extermination depends on:
Abell Pest Control can often provide a free estimate after a brief phone consultation.
