Richmond Hill, Ontario, combines suburban neighbourhoods with wooded areas, parks, and ravines. This mix of residential development and green space, along with the region’s warm summers and wet springs, creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive. During the warmer months, carpenter ants and pavement ants are frequently found indoors, searching for food, moisture, and shelter.
Seasonal weather changes, including hot, humid summers and cold winters, often drive ants indoors where they can find stable temperatures and reliable food sources. Left untreated, these infestations can grow quickly and become more difficult to manage.
If you’re dealing with ants in Richmond Hill, Abell Pest Control is ready to help. Our local technicians understand the specific pest pressures of the area. We inspect your property, identify how ants are getting in, determine what’s attracting them, and use targeted treatments to eliminate the problem and help prevent it from coming back.
Different ant species have different nesting habits and behaviours, which means that correct identification is key to effective control. With the right diagnosis, we tailor our treatments to address the specific species and ensure long-term results suited to Richmond Hill’s environment.
Homeowners dealing with carpenter ants may not notice the damage until it becomes severe. These pests are drawn to moist wood, especially in basements, attics, or near leaking plumbing. Rather than consuming wood, they hollow it out to establish colonies. Entryways often include tiny cracks, damaged shingles, or soft wood near windows. Outdoors, carpenter ants’ nest in dead trees or logs. Indoors, look for them in hollow doors or behind baseboards. Prompt carpenter ant control is essential to avoid long-term structural issues.
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.
Small and yellowish, Pharaoh ants thrive in indoor environments where it's warm and humid. They build large colonies with many queens and spread quickly through budding, a process where new colonies form without mating. You’ll often find them in wall voids, bathrooms, or near food sources. Their presence is especially concerning in healthcare settings, apartment buildings, and commercial kitchens due to the risk of food contamination and pathogen transmission.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also known as large yellow ants, are native to many areas in North America. These ants are yellow in colour and release a strong citrus-like scent when crushed. They typically build nests in moist environments such as beneath logs, in damp soil, or near building foundations. While they don’t pose any health risk or contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of foraging for food in kitchens, they feed on honeydew produced by underground insects.
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.
Big-headed ants are a distinctive species known for their oversized heads. These ants tend to nest in soil near human structures, under patio stones, in rotting wood, or beneath foundations. They aren’t known for structural damage, but their massive colonies often lead to stubborn infestations. Environmental changes such as heat or excessive moisture may cause them to move indoors. Big-headed ants are common in subtropical environments worldwide.
Should I Hire a Pest Control Company for Ants or Try to Get Rid of Them Myself?
DIY ant treatments might seem to help at first, but they rarely eliminate the entire problem. Ant colonies often build nests in hidden places like behind walls or beneath foundations, making them tough to reach without the right tools and know-how.
Abell’s Richmond Hill team is trained to identify the specific ant species, locate the source of the infestation, and apply targeted treatments that work long-term.
If ants are invading your home or business, contact us for fast and professional service in Richmond Hill. We offer one-time treatments or ongoing prevention plans, all backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Which Ant Species Are the Most Harmful or Dangerous?
While most household ants are more annoying than harmful, some pose bigger risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood structures by hollowing out areas for nesting. Fire ants can sting and cause serious allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to carry and spread bacteria, making them a health concern, especially in hospitals and kitchens. Identifying the species helps determine the level of risk and the right solution.
How Do I Know If There’s an Ant Problem in My House?
Signs of an indoor ant infestation include visible trails of ants (especially in kitchens and near baseboards), small piles of debris or sawdust near walls, and flying ants inside the home, which may indicate a mature colony. You might also see ants gathering around food, water, or garbage. If you're noticing these signs regularly, it’s time to consult a professional like Abell Pest Control.
Which Types of Ants Are Commonly Found Inside Houses?
Several ant species often invade homes, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Carpenter ants create nests in damp or rotting wood, pavement ants build colonies in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants spread quickly in warm indoor environments. Correctly identifying the ant species is key to effective treatment and long-term prevention.
How Can I Stop Ants from Getting into My Home?
Preventing ants starts with good sanitation and blocking access points. Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills quickly, take out the trash regularly, and keep pet food areas clean. Check for and seal up small cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation to stop ants from finding a way indoors.
What Is the Cost of Professional Ant Control in Richmond Hill?
The price for ant removal services in Richmond Hill depends on several factors, including the ant species, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method needed. In many cases, we can provide an estimate over the phone after identifying the issue.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?
Carpenter ants are typically larger than most ants and are often confused with termites. The key difference is that termites consume wood, while carpenter ants chew through it to create nesting spaces. A licensed pest professional can help accurately identify whether you're dealing with ants or termites and recommend the right treatment.
