Nestled near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a vibrant city known for its blend of urban neighbourhoods, expansive green spaces, and stunning natural landscapes. This diverse environment, coupled with Calgary’s distinct seasonal climate, creates an ideal habitat for ants especially during spring and the warmer summer months.
Calgary experiences cold, dry winters, variable springs, and warm summers, which often drive ants indoors as they search for shelter, moisture, and food. The city’s mix of residential areas alongside natural spaces like the Bow River Valley and Nose Hill Park increases the chances of ant infestations in homes and businesses.
If ants have invaded your Calgary property, Abell Pest Control is ready to assist. Our local technicians are well-versed in the unique pest challenges posed by Calgary’s climate and terrain. We thoroughly inspect your property to identify entry points, determine the ant species involved, and apply targeted treatments designed to eliminate infestations and prevent them from returning.
Common Ant Varieties
Carpenter Ants are a major wood-boring pest that can weaken the structure of a home by building extensive tunnel systems inside wood. They prefer damp wood, which is commonly found near windows, sinks, or basements. Although they don’t eat the wood, their burrowing causes real damage. Outdoor nests often develop in stumps or mulch piles, while indoor nests are in hidden, moist areas. The most active time for carpenter ants is during the night, and their presence indoors often signals a need for immediate pest control measures.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
Easily identified by the lemon scent they release when crushed, citronella ants thrive in moist habitats such as lawns, garden beds, and near foundation edges. Their diet consists of the sugary honeydew produced by aphids beneath the soil. Though non-invasive, swarming in spring can lead to unexpected infestations.
Small and dark brown in appearance, pavement ants typically nest under concrete surfaces such as sidewalks and foundations. They’re able to enter homes through narrow gaps in doors, windows, and siding. While they aren’t known for causing damage, they can bite or sting when provoked. Long lines of foraging ants are often the first noticeable sign of an issue.
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 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 distinguished by the large size of their heads compared to their bodies. They prefer to nest in soil, particularly under concrete slabs, tree roots, old wood, and garden debris near buildings. Although they do not eat or damage structural materials, their numbers can become overwhelming. Environmental changes like excessive rain or drought can push them indoors. These ants thrive in subtropical environments found worldwide.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found Inside Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Odorous house ants seek out sweets, 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?
Keeping ants out starts with prevention. Store all food properly, clean up crumbs and spills right away, and don’t leave pet food out. Seal cracks and entry points around windows, doors, and your foundation. Also, reduce excess moisture by repairing leaks and trimming vegetation near the 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?
DIY ant solutions may help temporarily, but they rarely eliminate the root of the problem. Ant colonies often nest deep within walls, under floors, or in outdoor locations that are difficult to access without professional tools and expertise. Without proper species identification and targeted treatments, ants are likely to return.
Abell’s Calgary team specializes in identifying local ant species, locating hidden nests, and applying effective treatments that provide long-term relief. We understand the challenges posed by Calgary’s climate and terrain, and we’re equipped to handle them.
If ants are invading your Calgary home, business, or property, contact us today. Our local technicians offer fast, reliable service backed by extensive experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Calgary
The cost of ant extermination in Calgary 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.
