Langley’s mix of suburban neighbourhoods, farmland, and surrounding woodlands creates an ideal setting for ant activity. As temperatures rise in spring and summer, ants, especially carpenter ants and pavement ants, often enter homes and businesses in search of food, moisture, and shelter. These seasonal behaviours make ant infestations a frequent concern for Langley residents and property owners.
If ants are invading your home or business, Abell Pest Control in Langley can help. Our local technicians pair prevention with proven treatments, pinpointing entry points and attractants, then eliminating colonies at the source to keep your space protected.
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 Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, also known as the large yellow ant, is commonly found across many regions of North America. Recognizable by their yellowish-brown colour, these ants emit a lemony scent when crushed. They typically nest in moist areas like beneath logs, within damp soil, or near the bases of buildings. While they aren’t harmful to humans and don’t spoil food supplies, their habit of invading homes during warm weather can become a nuisance. Rather than scavenging for human food, citronella ants primarily consume the sweet honeydew produced by subterranean insects.
Frequently found in cities and residential areas, pavement ants are small, dark-coloured ants that prefer to nest under concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They enter buildings through tiny openings around windows, doors, and other structural gaps. Though generally harmless, they can bite or sting when provoked. Their long foraging trails are usually the first sign of a growing colony.
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.
European Fire Ants can quickly become a major nuisance in outdoor environments. These aggressive insects prefer to nest in damp, shaded areas like gardens, under stones, and in decaying organic matter. Their painful stings can make outdoor activities uncomfortable or even unbearable.
With heads significantly larger than their bodies, big-headed ants are easy to spot. These ants usually build their nests outdoors, in soil beneath stones, foundations, rotting wood, and stumps. Although they don't destroy structures, the large size of their colonies can make control efforts frustrating and prolonged. When outdoor conditions become unfavorable, they may move indoors in search of better shelter. They are a common pest in subtropical zones worldwide.
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 control methods may seem helpful at first, but they often fail to get to the heart of the problem. Ant colonies are usually hidden in hard-to-reach places like inside walls or deep underground, which makes them difficult to eliminate without expert help.
The experienced team at Abell Pest Control in Langley is trained to identify the species, find the source, and apply safe, effective treatments designed for long-term results.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Langley?
The cost of ant extermination in Langley 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.
