Saint John, New Brunswick, sits along the Bay of Fundy and features a mix of historic neighbourhoods, forested areas, and coastal terrain. This blend of urban and natural settings, combined with Saint John’s damp climate, creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive, especially during the warmer months of spring and summer. Carpenter ants and pavement ants are among the most common invaders, often entering homes in search of food, moisture, and shelter.
The region's cool, wet springs and warm, humid summers can encourage ants to move indoors, particularly in older buildings or homes with moisture issues. Without proper treatment, infestations can persist and grow over time.
If you're noticing ant activity in your Saint John home or business, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our experienced local technicians understand the pest challenges specific to the area. We inspect your property to identify how ants are getting inside, determine what’s attracting them, and use effective treatments to remove the infestation and prevent future problems.
Ant species vary in their nesting habits and behavior. Identifying the species correctly is essential for choosing the right control method. With accurate diagnosis, we tailor our treatments to provide reliable and long-term protection suited to Saint John’s environment.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t feed on wood, they carve it out to build nests. These ants are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, typically found in places like leaking attics, behind siding, or in basement walls. They usually establish a main colony and then create satellite nests nearby. Common entry points include damaged wood trim, cracks in foundations, or roof leaks. Indoors, they may nest in hollow-core doors or near kitchen and bathroom plumbing. If you notice large ants wandering inside your home, especially at night, it could mean you have an active carpenter ant nest.
Urban environments provide the ideal habitat for pavement ants, which often nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building slabs. These small brown ants enter homes through tiny cracks and crevices, especially around entry points like doors and windows. While they aren’t dangerous, their bite or sting can be mildly irritating. Their presence is usually first noticed by the long, steady trails they form indoors.
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.
Citronella Ants (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.
Aggressive and highly invasive, European fire ants are a growing concern for homeowners and gardeners alike. These ants establish nests in moist, shaded areas such as lawns, flower beds, under stones, and inside plant pots. Their stings are not only painful but also can cause lasting irritation.
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 Is the Cost of Professional Ant Control in Saint John?
The price for ant removal services in Saint John 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.
Should I Hire a Pest Control Company for Ants or Try to Get Rid of Them Myself?
You may be able to control small ant problems with DIY treatments like bait stations and sprays. However, if ants keep returning or you see large numbers, professional pest control is usually the best option. Experts like Abell Pest Control can locate the nest, identify the species, and apply effective treatments that prevent future infestations.
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.
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.
