Located just across the river from Montreal on the South Shore, Brossard features a unique mix of suburban neighbourhoods, parks, and waterways. This combination of developed areas and nearby natural green spaces creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive. During the spring and throughout Brossard’s warm, humid summers ants become particularly active.
Brossard’s climate, with cold winters, wet springs, and hot, humid summers, often drives ants indoors in search of warmth, moisture, and food. The city’s proximity to forested areas and waterways further increases the likelihood of ants entering homes and businesses.
If you’re experiencing an ant infestation in your Brossard property, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our local technicians understand the specific pest challenges of the South Shore region. We conduct thorough inspections to locate entry points, accurately identify the ant species, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate the problem and prevent it from returning.
Common Ant Species and the Problems They Cause
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 like 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.
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.
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.
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.
European Fire Ants, recognized for their hostile behavior and painful sting, often make their homes in shaded, damp environments. You might find them nesting in your backyard garden, beneath logs, or hidden in lawn debris. Their sting delivers sharp pain and discomfort, making them a persistent outdoor pest.
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.
What Types of Ants Commonly Invade Homes?
Homeowners often encounter several types of ants indoors, including sugar-loving odorous house ants, wood-damaging carpenter ants, pavement ants nesting in cracks, and fast-spreading pharaoh ants. Each species behaves differently, so identifying the ant type is essential for choosing the most effective removal method.
How Can I Spot an Ant Infestation in My House?
Frequent ant sightings in your kitchen or along baseboards, trails of marching ants, tiny piles of sawdust or dirt, and the presence of winged ants may all point to an infestation. If you’re seeing these warning signs, especially around food or water sources, it's time to act.
Which Ant Species Are a Threat to My Home or Health?
Most ants are harmless, but some can be destructive or pose health risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood by hollowing it out to nest. Fire ants can deliver painful stings and trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria and can be particularly problematic in healthcare settings. Identifying the species helps determine the urgency and type of treatment required.
How Can I Keep Ants Out of My House Naturally and Effectively?
To prevent ants, maintain a clean home. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills right away, and take out garbage regularly. Inspect and seal cracks or holes near doors, windows, and the foundation. Eliminating moisture sources and trimming plants away from the home can also help deter ant activity.
How Do I Know If It’s Ants or Termites in My House?
Carpenter ants and termites can look similar, but termites eat wood, while carpenter ants only dig through it to nest. Carpenter ants are usually larger and may be seen foraging indoors. A pest control professional can inspect your home to determine which pest is present and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can I Get Rid of Ants on My Own or Should I Call a Professional?
While do-it-yourself ant control might provide temporary relief, it often does not solve the root cause. Ant colonies frequently nest deep inside walls, beneath flooring, or in hard-to-access outdoor spots. Without proper identification and targeted treatment, these ants usually come back.
The Abell team in Brossard is experienced in accurately identifying ant species, finding their nests, and applying effective treatments that offer long-lasting results.
If ants have invaded your home, business, or property in Brossard, contact us today. Our skilled local technicians deliver fast, reliable service backed by years of expertise and a satisfaction guarantee.
What Is the Average Price for Ant Extermination in Brossard?
The cost of ant control in Brossard depends on the ant species, the size of the infestation, and the type of treatment needed. Abell can often diagnose the problem and give you a quote over the phone after asking a few questions.
