Located in Southern Ontario, Bolton is surrounded by a blend of suburban neighbourhoods, forests, and rivers, an ideal setting for ant activity. As temperatures rise from late spring through summer, ants like carpenter ants and pavement ants often move indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter.
Ontario’s climate, with its cold winters and warm, humid summers, frequently drives ants indoors, where they can escape harsh conditions and find reliable sources of nourishment. Without proper intervention, ant infestations can quickly worsen and become more difficult to control.
If you're facing an ant problem in your Bolton home or business, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our trained technicians identify how ants are getting inside and what’s attracting them, then apply targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation and help prevent it from returning. We’re committed to keeping your property protected all year round.
Each ant species has its own habits and behaviours, which means a customized treatment approach is essential for long-term success.
These large ants, known as carpenter ants, carve out nests in wood but don’t eat it. Damp, decayed, or water-damaged wood is their preferred nesting material, often found around windowsills, in attics, or basements. They invade homes via cracks, broken wood, or poorly sealed areas near the roof or siding. Outside, they colonize moist logs and dead trees. Inside, they target areas with high humidity, such as behind sinks, inside cabinets, or within hollow wooden doors. They usually build one central nest and multiple smaller ones nearby. Spotting them indoors, especially after sunset, during spring or summer is often a sign of an infestation.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
Known for their golden hue and citronella scent, these ants prefer nesting under logs, in mulch, or around building edges where conditions are damp. Instead of infiltrating kitchens, they focus on honeydew as their food source. Still, when their winged swarmers enter homes, they become notable though non-destructive pests.
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.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellow ants that favour warm, humid indoor environments. Their colonies include multiple queens and can expand through budding, making infestations difficult to contain. They typically hide in cracks, wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. These ants are a serious concern in places like hospitals, apartments, and restaurants, where they can contaminate food and surfaces and transmit harmful pathogens.
Outdoor spaces can become infested with European fire ants, an aggressive species known for painful stings. They commonly nest in shaded, damp spots such as gardens, lawns, woodpiles, or underneath outdoor clutter. Their bites can leave a lasting impression, literally and figuratively.
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.
Which Types of Ants Are Commonly Found Inside Houses?
Several ant species often invade homes, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are attracted to sweet foods, 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 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 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 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.
Should I Hire a Pest Control Company for Ants or Try to Get Rid of Them Myself?
While DIY solutions might provide temporary relief, they often fail to solve the underlying issue. Ant colonies, which frequently nest deep inside walls or underground, can quickly come back without proper identification and treatment.
The skilled professionals at Abell are trained to recognize different ant species, find their nests, and use targeted treatments that offer lasting results.
Contact us today for expert ant control and removal in Bolton. Our reliable local team provides fast, professional service backed by years of experience and dedication. Whether you need a single treatment or ongoing prevention, we are available 24/7. Every service is guaranteed to your satisfaction or your money back!
What Is the Cost of Professional Ant Control in Bolton?
The price for ant removal services in Bolton 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.
