Montreal’s unique combination of dense urban areas, historic architecture, and nearby green spaces such as Mount Royal Park, the Lachine Canal, and numerous riverside trails creates an ideal environment for ants to thrive. As temperatures rise in spring and summer, common ant species like pavement ants and carpenter ants begin to invade homes, apartments, and commercial properties in search of food, moisture, and shelter. This seasonal activity makes ant infestations a frequent issue for property owners across the city.
If you are experiencing ant problems in your home or business, Abell Pest Control in Montreal is here to help. Our experienced technicians take a thorough and proactive approach to ant control. We start with a detailed inspection to find how ants are entering your property and what is attracting them. Based on the findings, we apply effective, and species-specific treatments to eliminate the infestation and help prevent future occurrences.
Whether you are in downtown Montreal, the Plateau, West Island, or the South Shore, Abell Pest Control offers fast, professional service backed by decades of expertise. Contact us today for reliable ant control solutions designed to protect your home or business.
Effective ant control starts with proper identification. Different species behave differently and require specific control methods.
A carpenter ant infestation can result in significant structural damage over time. These large ants dig into wood to form nests, often in moisture-prone areas like attics, under sinks, and near leaking windows. While they don’t consume the wood, their excavation weakens it. Outdoors, carpenter ants commonly inhabit rotted logs or stumps, while indoor nests are found in cabinets, hollow doors, or wall voids. Entry points include foundation cracks, rooflines, and siding gaps. Spotting these ants inside your home, especially at night, is one of the first signs of a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny, pale yellow ants with darker abdomens. They form massive colonies with multiple queens and reproduce by budding, which allows them to spread rapidly indoors. These ants thrive in warm, humid environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are especially difficult to eliminate. Common in apartments, hospitals, and restaurants, they contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing serious health risks.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, commonly known as the larger yellow ants, are widely distributed throughout North America. These insects are easily identified by their yellow-brown colouration and the lemon-like scent they produce when squashed. Favouring moist environments, they often establish colonies beneath logs, in wet soil, or near the foundations of buildings. Although they aren’t dangerous to humans and don’t interfere with food, their occasional indoor swarming during warmer seasons can be irritating. Rather than feeding on household scraps, citronella ants rely on the sugary honeydew secreted by insects living underground.
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.
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.
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.
How to Keep Ants Away
Common Ants Found Indoors
Several species of ants are commonly encountered inside homes, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are drawn to sugary foods, while carpenter ants’ tunnel through moist or decaying wood, potentially leading to structural damage. Pavement ants typically nest in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants are notorious for rapidly spreading throughout buildings. Proper identification is crucial for effective control and long-term prevention.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation in my home?
Common signs of an ant infestation include visible ant trails (in kitchens and along baseboards), small piles of dirt or sawdust near walls, and the presence of winged ants, which may indicate a mature colony. You may also notice ants clustering around food or moisture sources. If you see ants regularly, contact Abell.
What’s the difference between regular ants and carpenter ants or termites?
Carpenter ants are larger than most household ants and are often mistaken for termites. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests, causing structural damage. A professional inspection can help determine which ant you are dealing with.
Do I need a pest control service for ants, or can I get rid of them myself?
While DIY methods may offer short-term solutions, they rarely address the root of the problem. Without proper identification and treatment, ant colonies, often hidden deep in walls or underground, can quickly return.
Professionals like the team from Abell are trained to identify the ant species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments that deliver long-term results.
Call now for expert, and removal in Montreal. Our trusted local team delivers fast, professional service backed by years of experience and commitment. Whether you need a one-time removal or long-term prevention, we're here 24/7 to help, and every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee!
What are the most dangerous or harmful types of ants to watch out for?
While most ants are simply a nuisance, some can pose risks. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood. Fire ants deliver painful stings and can trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants can spread bacteria and are particularly problematic in hospitals. Identifying the type of ant is essential to understanding the risk and the best treatment approach.
How much does ant removal cost in Montreal?
Ant removal costs can vary based on the species, severity of the infestation, and the services needed. We can typically identify the ant species and provide you a quote right over the phone.
