Gananoque’s location along the St. Lawrence River, combined with its mix of historic buildings, waterfront properties, and surrounding woodlands, provides ideal conditions for ant activity. Warm summers and high humidity levels can drive ants indoors in search of food, water, and shelter. These seasonal shifts make ant infestations a common concern for homeowners and businesses in Gananoque.
If you are seeing ants in your home, cottage, or commercial property, Abell Pest Control in Gananoque is here to help. Our experienced team offers both preventative and targeted pest control services. We carefully inspect your property to determine how ants are getting inside, identify what is attracting them, and apply customized treatments to eliminate the problem at its source.
Effective ant control begins with correctly identifying the species. Each type of ant has unique behaviours and nesting habits, so proper identification is key to choosing the most targeted and long-lasting treatment for your property.
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 Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also called large yellow ants, are common throughout North America. They have a yellow to yellow-brown colour and give off a citrus-like odour when crushed. These ants prefer moist areas like soil, under logs, or near building foundations. Although they don’t harm humans or contaminate food, they can become a nuisance when they swarm indoors during warm months. Unlike other ants, citronella ants feed on honeydew from underground insects, not household food.
Pavement ants are a frequent concern for homeowners in both urban and suburban areas. These ants build nests under hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and slabs, and often find their way indoors through small entry points. While they don’t pose a serious health threat, they can bite or sting when handled. Their trails, often seen along baseboards or countertops, are a clear sign of activity.
Small and yellowish, Pharaoh ants thrive in indoor environments where it's warm and humid. They build large colonies with many queens and spread quickly through budding, a process where new colonies form without mating. You’ll often find them in wall voids, bathrooms, or near food sources. Their presence is especially concerning in healthcare settings, apartment buildings, and commercial kitchens due to the risk of food contamination and pathogen transmission.
European Fire Ants are notorious for their aggressive nature and extremely painful stings. Commonly found nesting in damp, shady areas like gardens, lawns, under rocks, decaying logs, and even potted plants, these invasive ants pose a serious problem. Their stings cause intense discomfort and irritation, turning outdoor spaces into danger zones.
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
Types of Ants Frequently Found Indoors
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Gananoque, 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 Gananoque, 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.
Looking for trusted ant removal services in Gananoque? 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 Gananoque?
The cost of ant removal in Gananoque 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.
