Halifax’s coastal setting, combined with its mix of urban neighbourhoods, forested areas, and unpredictable Atlantic weather, creates the ideal environment for ants to thrive. As spring arrives and temperatures rise through summer, ants, especially carpenter ants and pavement ants, become increasingly active.
If you’re spotting ants in your home or business, Abell Pest Control in Halifax is ready to help. Our local technicians use a strategic, results-driven approach that combines long-term prevention with targeted treatments. We start by inspecting your property to pinpoint how ants are entering, identify the attractants, and then apply effective, customized solutions to eliminate the infestation at its source.
Proper species identification is critical to long-lasting results. Each ant species behaves differently, some nest in wood, others in soil or under pavement, and require specific treatment methods. Our team is trained to recognize the ants common to Halifax and implement the best pest control strategy to stop them from coming back.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also known as large yellow ants, are native to many areas in North America. These ants are yellow in colour and release a strong citrus-like scent when crushed. They typically build nests in moist environments such as beneath logs, in damp soil, or near building foundations. While they don’t pose any health risk or contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of foraging for food in kitchens, they feed on honeydew produced by underground insects.
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.
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.
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 is an aggressive invader that thrives in shady, moist locations such as gardens, lawns, compost piles, and potted plants. Their venomous sting causes intense pain and irritation, turning peaceful yards into problematic pest zones.
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.
How to Keep Ants Away
Should I Hire a Pest Control Company for Ants or Try to Get Rid of Them Myself?
DIY ant control might seem effective at first, but without tackling the root cause, the problem often returns. Ant colonies usually nest deep behind walls or beneath the ground, well out of reach of store-bought products.
That’s where Abell’s Halifax team comes in. Our professionals are trained to identify the ant species, locate hidden nests, and apply safe, targeted treatments that stop infestations at the source and keep them from coming back.
For trusted ant removal in Halifax, give us a call. Our local experts respond fast and bring years of experience to every job. Whether you need a one-time fix or a long-term solution, we’re here 24/7 with our satisfaction guarantee.
How Do I Know If There’s an Ant Problem in My House?
Signs of an indoor ant infestation include visible trails of ants (especially in kitchens and near baseboards), small piles of debris or sawdust near walls, and flying ants inside the home, which may indicate a mature colony. You might also see ants gathering around food, water, or garbage. If you're noticing these signs regularly, it’s time to consult a professional like Abell Pest Control.
Which Types of Ants Are Commonly Found Inside Houses?
Several ant species often invade homes, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Carpenter ants create nests in damp or rotting wood, pavement ants build colonies in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants spread quickly in warm indoor environments. Correctly identifying the ant species is key to effective treatment and long-term prevention.
Which Ant Species Are the Most Harmful or Dangerous?
While most household ants are more annoying than harmful, some pose bigger risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood structures by hollowing out areas for nesting. Fire ants can sting and cause serious allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to carry and spread bacteria, making them a health concern, especially in hospitals and kitchens. Identifying the species helps determine the level of risk and the right solution.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?
Carpenter ants are typically larger than most ants and are often confused with termites. The key difference is that termites consume wood, while carpenter ants chew through it to create nesting spaces. A licensed pest professional can help accurately identify whether you're dealing with ants or termites and recommend the right treatment.
What Is the Cost of Professional Ant Control in Halifax?
The price for ant removal services in Halifax depends on several factors, including the ant species, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method needed. In many cases, we can provide an estimate over the phone after identifying the issue.
