Duncan’s temperate coastal climate, combined with its mix of forests, farmland, and residential neighbourhoods, creates an ideal environment for ants to thrive. The region’s mild winters and warm, humid summers provide perfect conditions for ants like pavement ants and carpenter ants to move indoors in search of food, water, and shelter. These conditions make ant infestations a common concern for homeowners and businesses in the Duncan area.
Noticing ant activity in your home or business? Abell Pest Control in Duncan is here to help. Our experienced team provides both preventative strategies and targeted treatments designed to eliminate ants quickly and keep them from coming back. We begin with a thorough inspection to identify how ants are getting in and what’s attracting them, then apply effective solutions to stop the infestation at its source.
Successful ant control starts with proper identification; each species has unique behaviours and requires a tailored approach for the best results.
Carpenter Ants are larger than many ant species and are known for building nests inside wood. Although they don’t eat the wood, they chew through it to construct tunnels. Damp and decaying areas, like basements or behind leaking walls, are prime targets for carpenter ant nests. Outdoor nests are typically found in rotted logs or wet firewood. Once inside, they set up in places like hollow doors or kitchen cabinets. If you want to prevent carpenter ants, sealing entry points and addressing moisture issues are essential first steps.
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 to yellow brown 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.
These small, dark brown ants are often seen in cities and suburbs, where they nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Known as pavement ants, they commonly invade homes through small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Though they’re not aggressive, they may bite or sting when disturbed. Homeowners typically notice them by the long trails they form while foraging.
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./p>
European Fire Ants are invasive pests known for their intense sting and aggressive swarming behavior. They typically build nests in moist, shaded environments, including under logs, in lawns, or inside potted plants. These ants make backyard living uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Big-headed ants are easily identified by their oversized heads relative to their bodies. They typically nest in soil around structures, under foundations, patio stones, rotting wood, tree stumps, and debris. While they don’t cause structural damage, their large colonies can be difficult to control and may lead to persistent infestations. Though usually outdoor nesters, changes in environmental conditions can drive them indoors. They are commonly found in subtropical regions worldwide.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Questions and Answers
Types of Ants Frequently Found Indoors
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Duncan, 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 Duncan, 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 Duncan? 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 Duncan?
The cost of ant removal in Duncan 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.
