Waterloo’s mix of residential areas, parks, and green spaces creates an environment where ants can thrive. During the warmer months, common ants like carpenter ants and pavement ants often move indoors looking for food, moisture, and shelter. This seasonal activity means ant problems are common for many homeowners and businesses in Waterloo.
If ants are causing trouble, Abell Pest Control in Waterloo is here to help. Our trained technicians will find how ants are getting inside, what is attracting them, and use effective treatments to eliminate the colony. We focus on long-term results to keep ants away for good.
The most common ants in Waterloo are carpenter ants and pavement ants. Carpenter ants are large black ants that nest in damp or rotting wood and can cause damage if not treated. Pavement ants are smaller and usually nest outdoors under sidewalks, patios, or driveways but often come inside looking for food.
Knowing the ant species helps us choose the right treatment. Our team will find the nest, treat the colony, and help prevent future infestations.
Carpenter Ants are larger than most ants and can cause serious damage by hollowing out wood for nesting. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they construct their nest inside it. They prefer damp or decaying areas, often around windows, basements, and attics. They enter buildings through damaged wood, cracks, and gaps near windows, doors, and roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in moist wood like tree stumps or firewood, while indoors they prefer hollow doors, cabinets, and areas near moisture sources. They form a main colony with satellite nests nearby and are most active at night. Seeing large black ants indoors, especially in warmer months, often indicates an active infestation.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown insects commonly found nesting beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They often enter homes through small cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While they’re not considered dangerous, they can bite or sting if disturbed. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants a frequent nuisance in urban environments.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Known for their distinct yellow-brown hue and the citrusy smell they emit when crushed, citronella ants, often referred to as larger yellow ants, are widespread across North America. They favor damp locations for nesting, such as moist soil, decaying wood, or the areas surrounding building foundations. Though they don’t bite, damage structures, or spoil food, their seasonal indoor swarming, especially in warmer months, can be an annoyance. Unlike many other ant species, they don’t seek out typical human food. Instead, they feed on the sugary honeydew excreted by underground insects like aphids and mealybugs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common Ants Found Indoors
Several species of ants are commonly encountered inside homes, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. 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.
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.
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?
While DIY methods may offer short-term solutions, they rarely address the root of the problem. Without proper identification and treatment, ant colonies, often hidden deep in walls or underground, can quickly return.
Professionals like the team from Abell are trained to identify the ant species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments that deliver long-term results.
Call now for expert, and removal in Waterloo. Our trusted local team delivers fast, professional service backed by years of experience and commitment. Whether you need a one-time removal or long-term prevention, we're here 24/7 to help and every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
How much does ant removal cost in Waterloo?
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.
