Nestled in the heart of the Kawarthas, Peterborough offers a beautiful blend of rivers, lakes, forests, and established residential areas. While this natural setting adds to the city’s charm, it also creates ideal conditions for ant infestations, especially during the warmer months.
Peterborough’s seasonal climate, featuring cold winters, damp springs, and humid summers, often drives ants indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter. Natural features like the Otonabee River, wooded trails, and parklands give ants plenty of places to nest and spread into nearby homes and buildings.
If you're dealing with ants in Peterborough, Abell Pest Control provides trusted, local pest management solutions. Our licensed technicians are familiar with the specific pest issues common to the region. We conduct thorough inspections to identify where ants are entering, determine the exact species, and apply targeted, eco-friendly treatments that not only eliminate the infestation but help prevent it from returning.
Effective ant control begins with proper species identification. Ants in densely populated neighborhoods may behave differently than those near green spaces or riverbanks. Our team tailors each treatment plan based on the biology and habits of the ants involved, ensuring long-term results.
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 wood-nesting insects that often invade homes seeking damp, decaying timber. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, they hollow it out to create nests. These ants usually target high-moisture zones like basements, under bathtubs, or behind window frames. They may enter through damaged wood, foundation cracks, or unsealed roof edges. Outside, they nest in logs or rotting trees; inside, they prefer wooden voids near water sources. Seeing these ants in your home, especially in the evening, may point to a hidden carpenter ant nest that needs prompt attention.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out for European fire ants in your garden or lawn! These aggressive ants hide in moist, shaded places, under rocks, in plant pots, or among garden debris. Their stings are incredibly painful and can cause lasting irritation, making them a serious pest in outdoor areas.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found Inside Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Odorous house ants seek out sweets, 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.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Ants in My House?
Keeping ants out starts with prevention. Store all food properly, clean up crumbs and spills right away, and don’t leave pet food out. Seal cracks and entry points around windows, doors, and your foundation. Also, reduce excess moisture by repairing leaks and trimming vegetation near the house.
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 treatments may provide temporary relief but often fail to solve the problem completely. Ant colonies can nest deep inside walls, under floors, or in outdoor areas that require professional tools and expertise to reach. Without proper identification and targeted treatment, ants are likely to come back.
If ants are invading your Peterborough home or business, contact us today. Our local technicians deliver fast, reliable service backed by experience and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we’re available 24/7.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Peterborough?
The cost of ant extermination in Peterborough 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.
