Located just north of Montreal in Quebec’s Laurentides region, Saint-Jérôme is a growing city surrounded by forests, parks, and residential neighbourhoods. This unique combination of urban development and nearby natural landscapes creates ideal conditions for ants to thrive.
As temperatures rise in late spring and throughout Saint-Jérôme’s hot, humid summers, ant activity, particularly from species like carpenter ants and pavement ants, increases significantly. With wet springs and warm conditions, ants often seek cooler indoor environments where they can find consistent sources of moisture and food. The city's proximity to wooded areas further contributes to infestations, as ants travel between natural spaces and homes or businesses.
If you're noticing signs of an ant infestation in your Saint-Jérôme home or commercial property, Abell Pest Control is ready to help. Our local technicians are familiar with the specific pest pressures in this region. We pinpoint how ants are getting inside, determine what’s attracting them, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate the colony and prevent future invasions.
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.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Easily identified by the lemon scent they release when crushed, citronella ants thrive in moist habitats such as lawns, garden beds, and near foundation edges. Their diet consists of the sugary honeydew produced by aphids beneath the soil. Though non-invasive, swarming in spring can lead to unexpected infestations.
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.
Tiny and yellow with dark rear segments, Pharaoh ants are a challenging pest to manage indoors. They form large colonies with several queens and multiply rapidly by budding. These ants often nest in warm, moist areas like bathrooms, behind walls, and inside appliances. They’re particularly troublesome in healthcare settings, food prep areas, and multi-family housing due to the contamination risks they pose.
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.
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.
What Types of Ants Commonly Invade Homes?
Homeowners often encounter several types of ants indoors, including sugar-loving odorous house ants, wood-damaging carpenter ants, pavement ants nesting in cracks, and fast-spreading pharaoh ants. Each species behaves differently, so identifying the ant type is essential for choosing the most effective removal method.
How Can I Spot an Ant Infestation in My House?
Frequent ant sightings in your kitchen or along baseboards, trails of marching ants, tiny piles of sawdust or dirt, and the presence of winged ants may all point to an infestation. If you’re seeing these warning signs, especially around food or water sources, it's time to act.
Which Ant Species Are a Threat to My Home or Health?
Most ants are harmless, but some can be destructive or pose health risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood by hollowing it out to nest. Fire ants can deliver painful stings and trigger allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria and can be particularly problematic in healthcare settings. Identifying the species helps determine the urgency and type of treatment required.
How Can I Keep Ants Out of My House Naturally and Effectively?
To prevent ants, maintain a clean home. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills right away, and take out garbage regularly. Inspect and seal cracks or holes near doors, windows, and the foundation. Eliminating moisture sources and trimming plants away from the home can also help deter ant activity.
How Do I Know If It’s Ants or Termites in My House?
Carpenter ants and termites can look similar, but termites eat wood, while carpenter ants only dig through it to nest. Carpenter ants are usually larger and may be seen foraging indoors. A pest control professional can inspect your home to determine which pest is present and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can I Get Rid of Ants on My Own or Should I Call a Professional?
While DIY ant control methods might offer quick relief, they often fail to eliminate the underlying issue. Ant colonies commonly nest deep within walls, under floors, or in hard-to-reach outdoor locations. Without proper identification and targeted treatment, ants are likely to return.
If ants are invading your home, business, or property in Saint-Jérôme, get in touch with us today. Our knowledgeable local technicians provide fast and dependable service backed by years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
What Is the Average Price for Ant Control in Saint-Jérôme?
The cost of ant control in Saint-Jérôme depends on the ant species, the size of the infestation, and the type of treatment needed. Abell can often diagnose the problem and give you a quote over the phone after asking a few questions.
