Delta’s mix of coastal climate, agricultural land, and expanding residential areas creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive. With mild, damp winters and warm summers, ant species like pavement ants and carpenter ants frequently seek shelter indoors, especially in search of food and moisture. These environmental factors make ant problems a common issue for homeowners and businesses throughout Delta.
If you’re seeing signs of ant activity in your home or commercial property, Abell Pest Control in Delta is here to help. Our trusted team of pest control professionals specializes in both preventative and corrective ant treatments.
If you're seeing large black ants in your home, you might be dealing with a carpenter ant infestation. These ants don’t consume wood, but they burrow into it to create galleries for nesting. They favor moisture-damaged wood, commonly found in attics, crawlspaces, and around windows or sinks. They often build a primary nest with multiple satellite colonies nearby. Outdoors, nests appear in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles. Entry into homes typically occurs through cracks in wood siding, unsealed vents, or loose window frames. For effective carpenter ant control, early detection is key.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, or yellow ant, has a distinctive citrus-like odour 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 swarmer's appear indoors, it can catch homeowners off guard.
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.
Watch out for European fire ants in your garden or lawn! These aggressive ants hide in moist, shaded places, under rocks, in plant pots, or among garden debris. Their stings are incredibly painful and can cause lasting irritation, making them a serious pest in outdoor areas.
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.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
What Types of Ants Are Frequently Found Indoors?
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Delta, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are attracted to sugary food, carpenter ants prefer damp or decaying wood and may cause damage to your home’s structure, pavement ants often nest in cracks along concrete or stone, and pharaoh ants are known for spreading quickly throughout buildings. Identifying the ant species correctly is essential for successful treatment and ongoing prevention.
How Can I Tell If There Are Ants in My House?
Signs of an ant infestation include visible trails of ants on walls or countertops, especially in kitchens, small piles of debris like sawdust or soil near baseboards, and the presence of winged ants, which often signals a mature colony. If ants are regularly seen near food or water sources, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Which Ant Species Should I Be Most Concerned About?
Some ants are more than just a nuisance. Carpenter ants can cause significant structural problems by hollowing out wooden beams. Fire ants, though less common in Delta can sting and cause allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants can spread germs and are particularly dangerous in places like hospitals and food prep areas. Knowing which ant species present helps is guide the right treatment plan.
How Are Carpenter Ants Different from Termites?
Carpenter ants and termites both damage wood, but in different ways. Carpenter ants dig into damp wood to create nests, while termites consume the wood itself. Carpenter ants are usually larger and more likely to be seen. A licensed pest control expert can inspect your home and confirm which pest is present.
Should I Call a Pest Control Company or Try DIY Ant Treatments?
Do-it-yourself ant treatments might give temporary relief, but they rarely eliminate the root of the issue. Ant nests are often hidden behind walls, under flooring, or outside in hard-to-reach spots, making them difficult to fully remove without expert help.
The pest control specialists at Abell know how to identify the species, locate the nest, and apply targeted treatments that solve the problem long-term.
Looking for trusted ant removal services in Delta? Contact Abell Pest Control for fast, professional help backed by decades of experience. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we’re available 24/7 and every service comes with our satisfaction guarantee.
How Much Does Ant Control Cost in Delta?
The cost of ant removal in Delta depends on the type of ant, the size of the infestation, and the treatment plan needed. In many cases, Abell can provide a quote over the phone after identifying the issue.
