Mount Pearl’s mix of suburban neighbourhoods, wooded areas, and proximity to wetlands and trails creates favourable conditions for ant activity. As temperatures rise during the spring and summer, ants such as pavement ants and carpenter ants often enter homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. This seasonal movement makes ant infestations a common issue for property owners throughout Mount Pearl and nearby areas like St. John’s and Paradise.
If you are dealing with ants in your home or commercial space, Abell Pest Control in Mount Pearl is here to help. Our trained technicians take a proactive and thorough approach to pest control. We begin with a detailed inspection to determine how ants are entering your property and what conditions are attracting them. Then, we apply targeted treatments based on the ant species and the severity of the infestation.
Abell Pest Control offers trusted service across Mount Pearl and the surrounding region. Whether you own a home, manage a business, or maintain a rental property, our team is ready to provide reliable ant control solutions with long-lasting results.
Effective ant control starts with proper identification. Different species behave differently and require specific control methods.
Easily recognized by their disproportionately large heads, big-headed ants typically nest outdoors in soil near man-made structures. Common nesting sites include under patios, foundations, and decaying wood. While they don’t cause physical harm to homes, they often form extensive colonies that are hard to manage. Under the right conditions, such as sudden weather changes, they may begin appearing indoors. These ants are found throughout many subtropical parts of the world.
These small, dark brown ants are often seen in cities and suburbs, where they nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Known as pavement ants, they commonly invade homes through small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Though they’re not aggressive, they may bite or sting when disturbed. Homeowners typically notice them by the long trails they form while foraging.
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)
Citronella ants, also called large yellow ants, are common throughout North America. They have a yellow colour and give off a citrus-like odour when crushed. These ants prefer moist areas like soil, under logs, or near building foundations. Although they don’t harm humans or contaminate food, they can become a nuisance when they swarm indoors during warm months. Unlike other ants, citronella ants feed on honeydew from underground insects, not household food.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellowish ants with darker tips on their bodies. They live in large colonies that contain multiple queens and multiply quickly through a process called budding. They often nest in warm, moist areas inside walls, kitchens, or bathrooms. Particularly common in apartment buildings, healthcare settings, and commercial kitchens, these ants can contaminate surfaces and food and are known to spread harmful bacteria.
Outdoor spaces can become infested with European fire ants, an aggressive species known for painful stings. They commonly nest in shaded, damp spots such as gardens, lawns, woodpiles, or underneath outdoor clutter. Their bites can leave a lasting impression, literally and figuratively.
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.
How do I prevent ants from coming into my house?
Prevention starts with cleanliness and sealing entry points. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and take out the trash. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
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 Mount Pearl. 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 Mount Pearl?
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.
