Saskatoon’s varied landscape, from its vibrant urban neighbourhoods to expansive parks and green corridors, coupled with the city's changing weather patterns, creates the perfect opportunity for ant activity each spring and summer.
With Saskatoon's swings from frosty winters to moist springs and warm summers, ants are naturally driven indoors in search of warmth, moisture, and sustenance, sometimes setting up shop inside homes and commercial spaces.
At Abell Pest Control in Saskatoon, we believe effective ant control starts with accurate species identification. Whether ants are originating from leafy residential zones or nearby greenspace, knowing their behavior and habitat lets us design targeted, smart treatment strategies. This ensures long-term protection that’s customized to Saskatoon’s unique ecological landscape.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellow ants that favour warm, humid indoor environments. Their colonies include multiple queens and can expand through budding, making infestations difficult to contain. They typically hide in cracks, wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. These ants are a serious concern in places like hospitals, apartments, and restaurants, where they can contaminate food and surfaces and transmit harmful pathogens.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t feed on wood, they carve it out to build nests. These ants are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, typically found in places like leaking attics, behind siding, or in basement walls. They usually establish a main colony and then create satellite nests nearby. Common entry points include damaged wood trim, cracks in foundations, or roof leaks. Indoors, they may nest in hollow-core doors or near kitchen and bathroom plumbing. If you notice large ants wandering inside your home, especially at night, it could mean you have an active carpenter ant nest.
Small and dark brown in appearance, pavement ants typically nest under concrete surfaces such as sidewalks and foundations. They’re able to enter homes through narrow gaps in doors, windows, and siding. While they aren’t known for causing damage, they can bite or sting when provoked. Long lines of foraging ants are often the first noticeable sign of an issue.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The yellow ant, commonly referred to as the citronella ant, is found throughout Canada and the United States. It is recognized by its yellow to yellow-brown colour and the citrus-like odour it releases when crushed. These ants are non-aggressive and lack stingers. Yellow ants typically nest in moist environments, such as soil near building foundations, under logs, or in damp wood within homes. They do not feed on household food, relying instead on honeydew from underground insects. While not harmful to humans, their presence indoors can be a nuisance, especially when colonies are established. Swarming generally occurs during the warmer months, particularly in June and July.
Big-headed ants are easily identified by their oversized heads relative to their bodies. They typically nest in soil around structures, under foundations, patio stones, rotting wood, tree stumps, and debris. While they don’t cause structural damage, their large colonies can be difficult to control and may lead to persistent infestations. Though usually outdoor nesters, changes in environmental conditions can drive them indoors. They are commonly found in subtropical regions worldwide.
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.
Which Ant Species Are Most Commonly Found Indoors?
In Saskatoon homes, ants such as carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants are frequent invaders. Carpenter ants’ nest in damp or decaying wood, pavement ants often build colonies in cracks around sidewalks and foundations, and pharaoh ants can spread rapidly throughout a building. Correctly identifying the species is essential for effective pest control.
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 often provide only temporary relief. Ant colonies can nest deep inside walls, under floors, or outdoors where professional tools and expertise are needed. Without proper identification and targeted treatment, ants usually return.
Abell’s Saskatoon team knows the local ant species and how to find hidden nests. We apply treatments for lasting results, understanding the challenges of the local climate.
If ants are invading your Saskatoon home or business, contact us today. Our technicians offer fast, reliable service with 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 Saskatoon
The cost of ant extermination in Saskatoon 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.
