Edmonton’s climate, with its cold winters and warm, dry summers, creates an environment where ants often move indoors during seasonal changes. The city’s mix of urban development, green spaces, and older residential areas provides plenty of entry points and nesting sites for common ant species such as pavement ants and carpenter ants. These conditions make ant problems a recurring issue for many homeowners and businesses in Edmonton.
If you are seeing ants inside your home or commercial building, Abell Pest Control in Edmonton is here to help. Our trained pest control professionals specialize in both preventative and responsive treatments. We assess your property to find how ants are getting inside, identify what is attracting them, and apply precise solutions to remove the infestation and prevent it from returning.
Correctly identifying the ant species is the first step toward effective control. Each species requires a different treatment plan, so accurate identification helps us provide the most effective and lasting results for your home or business.
One of the most common signs of a carpenter ant problem is spotting large, black ants indoors during warmer months. These ants’ tunnel into wood to create nests, especially in moist or decaying areas like attics, wall studs, and under windows. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but cause similar damage through excavation. They usually gain access via cracks, wood rot, or roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in logs or tree stumps. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so nighttime activity is often the first clue of their presence.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The yellow ant, commonly referred to as the citronella ant, is found throughout Canada and the United States. It is recognized by its yellow to yellow-brown colour and the citrus-like odour it releases when crushed. These ants are non-aggressive and lack stingers. Yellow ants typically nest in moist environments, such as soil near building foundations, under logs, or in damp wood within homes. They do not feed on household food, relying instead on honeydew from underground insects. While not harmful to humans, their presence indoors can be a nuisance, especially when colonies are established. Swarming generally occurs during the warmer months, particularly in June and July.
Pavement ants are among the most noticeable ant species in urban areas, often forming long trails that signal an active infestation. They nest under concrete surfaces like sidewalks and driveways and often enter buildings through cracks near doors and windows. While generally not harmful, they can bite or sting if they feel threatened.
Pharaoh Ants are tiny, yellowish ants that form large colonies with multiple queens. They thrive in warm, humid indoor environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. Particularly problematic in apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, and foodservice settings, these ants are known for contaminating food and surfaces, making them a persistent nuisance.
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.
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.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Types of Ants Frequently Found Indoors
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Edmonton, 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 Edmonton, 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 Edmonton? 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 Edmonton?
The cost of ant removal in Edmonton 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.
