With its scenic riverfront, historic architecture, and surrounding green spaces, Brockville offers the perfect environment for ant activity. As temperatures rise in the spring and summer, ants, particularly carpenter ants and pavement ants, often invade homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. These seasonal infestations are a common concern for property owners throughout the Brockville area.
If you’re dealing with an ant problem, Abell Pest Control in Brockville is here to help. Our local pest control experts use a strategic, results-driven approach that combines proactive prevention with targeted treatments. We identify how ants are entering your property, determine what’s attracting them, and apply proven solutions to eliminate the colony and prevent future infestations, giving you long-lasting peace of mind.
Effective ant control starts with proper identification. Different ant species have unique behaviours, nesting preferences, and food sources. Our trained technicians in Brockville are skilled at identifying local species and tailoring treatments to address each specific infestation. This targeted approach ensures fast, effective, and lasting results.
Common Ant Species and the Problems They Cause
Carpenter Ants are a serious nuisance that can quietly damage your home. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but remove it to create intricate nesting tunnels. They thrive in areas with excess moisture, such as basements, attic beams, and around windows. These ants enter homes through damaged wood, cracks near doors, or small gaps in exterior walls. Once inside, they can build nests in wooden doors, behind drywall, or near plumbing. Signs of carpenter ants include rustling sounds in walls, small piles of sawdust, and nighttime sightings of large, black ants.
Citronella Ant (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 a common pest in urban areas, known for building their nests under concrete slabs, sidewalks, and driveways. These ants can make their way indoors through cracks and gaps near windows, doors, and other entry points. While they rarely pose a serious threat, they can bite or sting if handled. One of the earliest indicators of an infestation is the appearance of visible ant trails.
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.
Aggressive and highly invasive, European fire ants are a growing concern for homeowners and gardeners alike. These ants establish nests in moist, shaded areas such as lawns, flower beds, under stones, and inside plant pots. Their stings are not only painful but also can cause lasting irritation.
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.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found Inside Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Carpenter ants’ tunnel through wet or rotting wood, pavement ants build nests in pavement cracks, and pharaoh ants can quickly infest entire buildings. Accurate identification is the first step to effective treatment.
How Do I Know If Ants Are Nesting in My Home?
Signs you may have ants inside include visible trails on countertops or walls, piles of fine debris like sawdust near baseboards, and flying ants indoors. Ants often gather near food or water, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. If you notice these signs repeatedly, it’s best to get a professional inspection.
Are Some Ants More Problematic Than Others?
Yes, certain ants can be more than just a nuisance. Carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures, fire ants are aggressive and can sting, and pharaoh ants are known to spread contaminants in sensitive areas like hospitals and kitchens. The risk depends on the type of ant and where the infestation is located.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Ants in My House?
How Can I Tell If I Have Carpenter Ants or Termites?
Carpenter ants and termites both damage wood, but in different ways. Termites eat wood, while carpenter ants dig through it to build their nests. Carpenter ants are usually larger and more visible. A pest expert can tell the difference and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
Do I Need a Pest Control Service to Remove Ants or Can I Try DIY Methods?
For small problems, you might try traps or ant bait from a store. However, repeated infestations or large colonies usually require professional help. Abell Pest Control has trained technicians who can identify the species, locate the source, and provide long-lasting ant control solutions.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Brockville?
The cost of ant extermination in Brockville varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of ant involved. In many cases, Abell can provide a free estimate by phone after asking a few simple questions about your situation.
