Kamloops’ mix of dry grasslands, forested areas, and urban development provides an ideal habitat for ants. As the weather warms in spring and summer, ants such as carpenter ants and pavement ants often invade homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. These seasonal intrusions make ant infestations a common concern for Kamloops residents and property owners.
If ants have made their way into your home or commercial space, Abell Pest Control in Kamloops is ready to help. Our local technicians use a strategic approach that combines preventive steps with effective treatments. We identify entry points, determine what’s attracting the ants, and apply targeted solutions that stop the infestation at its source, keeping your property protected long-term.
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 leaking 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 Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The larger yellow ant, better known as the citronella ant, builds nests under logs, stones, or next to foundations. They are drawn indoors during mating swarms, attracted to damp spaces. Feeding primarily on honeydew from root-feeding insects, they can be a frustrating yet harmless household visitor.
Often seen in and around homes, pavement ants are small, dark brown ants that thrive in urban settings. They build nests under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, and typically enter homes through small structural cracks. While not particularly dangerous, they may sting or bite if disturbed. Their highly visible trails make them one of the easier ant species to spot.
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 pose a serious threat to outdoor enjoyment. With their aggressive behavior and painful stings, these ants are often found in cool, moist areas like lawns, garden beds, rotting logs, and under stones. Their presence can quickly turn your yard into a hazard zone.
The big-headed ant, named for its enlarged head, often builds nests around homes in soil under rocks, wood, and foundations. Although they don’t pose a threat to structures, their large colonies make them difficult to eradicate completely. Environmental shifts such as excessive rain or high temperatures may lead them indoors. They are widespread in warm, subtropical climates and are known for causing recurring infestations when left unchecked.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
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.
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 products may offer brief relief, but they rarely eliminate the colony. Nests often hide in walls, under floors, or outdoors, so the problem returns without professional help. Abell’s licensed technicians identify the species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments for lasting results. We provide fast, expert service, one-time or year-round, available 24/7 and backed by decades of experience and our satisfaction guarantee.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Kamloops?
The cost of ant extermination in Kamloops 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.
