Charlottetown’s coastal environment, along with its historic buildings and lush green areas, provides ideal conditions for ant populations to grow. Warmer weather often leads to an increase in ant activity, with species like pavement ants and carpenter ants commonly entering homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. These seasonal trends make ant problems a frequent issue for property owners in the area.
If you’re seeing ants inside your home or business, Abell Pest Control in Charlottetown offers reliable solutions. Our skilled technicians use a proactive pest control strategy that emphasizes both prevention and treatment. We’ll determine how ants are accessing your property, identify what’s attracting them, and implement targeted methods to eliminate the infestation and prevent it from returning.
Effective ant control begins with proper identification. Different ant species behave in unique ways and require tailored control strategies.
A carpenter ant infestation can result in significant structural damage over time. These large ants dig into wood to form nests, often in moisture-prone areas like attics, under sinks, and near leaking windows. While they don’t consume the wood, their excavation weakens it. Outdoors, carpenter ants commonly inhabit rotted logs or stumps, while indoor nests are found in cabinets, hollow doors, or wall voids. Entry points include foundation cracks, rooflines, and siding gaps. Spotting these ants inside your home, especially at night, is one of the first signs of a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
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.
Frequently found in cities and residential areas, pavement ants are small, dark-coloured ants that prefer to nest under concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They enter buildings through tiny openings around windows, doors, and other structural gaps. Though generally harmless, they can bite or sting when provoked. Their long foraging trails are usually the first sign of a growing colony.
Pharaoh Ants are small yellow ants with darker abdomens, best known for thriving in indoor spaces. They form multi-queen colonies and reproduce by budding, which helps them quickly infest entire buildings. You’ll often find them in wall voids, kitchens, and humid areas like bathrooms. Common in medical facilities, apartment complexes, and foodservice environments, they contaminate food and may transmit dangerous bacteria.
European Fire Ants are known for their aggressive behaviour and painful sting. These ants build nests in moist, shaded environments such as lawns, gardens, decaying logs, under rocks or debris, and even in potted plants. The sting from European fire ants can cause intense pain and irritation, making them a considerable nuisance in outdoor spaces.
With their trademark large heads, big-headed ants commonly inhabit soil around buildings, choosing areas like under stones, old wood, and foundations to build nests. These ants are not structurally harmful, but their large colonies can be challenging to eliminate and may recur. While typically outdoor pests, weather-related stress can cause them to invade homes. They are most often found in subtropical regions around the world.
Common Ants Found Indoors
Several species of ants are commonly encountered inside homes, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are drawn to sugary foods, while carpenter ants’ tunnel through moist or decaying wood, potentially leading to structural damage. Pavement ants typically nest in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants are notorious for rapidly spreading throughout buildings. Proper identification is crucial for effective control and long-term prevention.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation in my home?
Common signs of an ant infestation include visible ant trails (in kitchens and along baseboards), small piles of dirt or sawdust near walls, and the presence of winged ants, which may indicate a mature colony. You may also notice ants clustering around food or moisture sources. If you see ants regularly, contact Abell.
What are the most dangerous or harmful types of ants to watch out for?
While most ants are simply a nuisance, some can pose risks. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood. Fire ants deliver painful stings and can trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants can spread bacteria and are particularly problematic in hospitals. Identifying the type of ant is essential to understanding the risk and the best treatment approach.
How do I prevent ants from coming into my house?
Prevention starts with cleanliness and sealing entry points. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and take out the trash. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
What’s the difference between regular ants and carpenter ants or termites?
Carpenter ants are larger than most household ants and are often mistaken for termites. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests, causing structural damage. A professional inspection can help determine which ant you are dealing with.
Do I need a pest control service for ants, or can I get rid of them myself?,
DIY solutions may offer temporary relief, but they often fail to eliminate the root cause. Ant colonies can be hidden in walls, floors, or underground, making complete removal difficult without expert help.
Abell Pest Control’s trained professionals know how to identify ant species, locate their nests, and apply safe, targeted treatments that deliver long-term protection.
Contact us today for reliable ant control in Charlottetown. Our experienced local team is available 24/7 to provide fast, professional service.
How much does ant removal cost in Charlottetown?
Ant removal costs can vary based on the species, severity of the infestation, and the services needed. We can typically identify the ant species and provide you a quote right over the phone.
