Campbell River’s coastal climate, lush forests, and expanding residential areas create the perfect environment for ants to thrive. As temperatures rise in spring and summer, common species like carpenter ants and pavement ants often venture indoors searching for food, water, and nesting sites. These seasonal patterns frequently lead to unwanted infestations for homeowners and businesses throughout the region.
If ants are invading your home or commercial property, Abell Pest Control in Campbell River is here to help. Our local experts take a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, accurate identification, and targeted treatment. We carefully investigate how ants are entering, determine what’s attracting them, and apply proven solutions to eliminate the problem at its source, helping keep your property ant-free.
Successful ant management always begins with proper species identification. Since different ants have unique behaviors, ranging from nesting preferences to food choices, understanding the species is key to choosing the most effective treatment.
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.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, or yellow ant, has a distinctive citrus-like odor when crushed, which inspired its name. These ants’ nest in moist soil or leaf litter, especially close to foundations. They survive on honeydew and rarely enter homes, though when swarmers appear indoors, it can catch homeowners off guard.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown ants commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, foundation slabs, and between walls. They can enter homes and buildings through tiny cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While generally harmless, they can bite or sting when disturbed, causing mild discomfort. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants one of the most noticeable ant problems in urban areas.
These tiny, pale-yellow ants are a persistent indoor pest. Known as Pharaoh ants, they reproduce rapidly and form colonies with multiple queens. When disturbed, they break into smaller colonies and spread through buildings. They prefer warm, humid spots like kitchens, bathrooms, and inside walls. Especially common in hospitals, apartments, and restaurants, they contaminate food and can carry harmful bacteria to sterile areas.
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.
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.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found Inside Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Odorous house ants seek out sweets, carpenter ants’ tunnel through wet or rotting wood, pavement ants build nests in pavement cracks, and pharaoh ants can quickly infest entire buildings. Accurate identification is the first step to effective treatment.
How Do I Know If Ants Are Nesting in My Home?
Signs you may have ants inside include visible trails on countertops or walls, piles of fine debris like sawdust near baseboards, and flying ants indoors. Ants often gather near food or water, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. If you notice these signs repeatedly, it’s best to get a professional inspection.
Are Some Ants More Problematic Than Others?
Yes, certain ants can be more than just a nuisance. Carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures, fire ants are aggressive and can sting, and pharaoh ants are known to spread contaminants in sensitive areas like hospitals and kitchens. The risk depends on the type of ant and where the infestation is located.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Ants in My House?
How Can I Tell If I Have Carpenter Ants or Termites?
Carpenter ants and termites both damage wood, but in different ways. Termites eat wood, while carpenter ants dig through it to build their nests. Carpenter ants are usually larger and more visible. A pest expert can tell the difference and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
Do I Need a Pest Control Service to Remove Ants or Can I Try DIY Methods?
Trying to handle an ant problem on your own might offer short-term relief, but DIY solutions rarely eliminate the root cause. Ant nests are often hidden in difficult spots such as wall voids, beneath flooring, or deep in the soil, making them hard to reach without professional tools and knowledge.
Abell Pest Control in Campbell River has the training and experience to tackle ant infestations effectively. Our technicians identify the ant species, locate the nest, and use targeted treatments that provide long-lasting results.
If you're dealing with ants in your home or business, reach out to our Campbell River team. We offer prompt, dependable service and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need immediate help or long-term prevention, we’re here when you need us.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Campbell River?
The cost of ant extermination in Campbell River varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of ant involved. In many cases, Abell can provide a free estimate by phone after asking a few simple questions about your situation.
