Stoney Creek, located along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, blends residential communities with nearby trails, wooded areas, and water sources. This environment, paired with the region’s warm, humid summers and damp spring conditions, provides a perfect setting for ants to thrive. Homeowners in Stoney Creek often notice an increase in ant activity during late spring and summer when species like carpenter ants and pavement ants are most active indoors.
If ants have made their way into your Stoney Creek home or business, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our experienced local team knows what to look for, including entry points and attractants, and uses effective treatments to get rid of ants and stop them from returning.
Each type of ant behaves differently, so identifying the correct species is the first step to successful treatment. By understanding their habits and nesting preferences, we’re able to apply targeted solutions designed for long-term results in Stoney Creek’s unique environment.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, or yellow ant, has a distinctive citrus-like odour when crushed, which inspired its name. These ants’ nest in moist soil or leaf litter, especially close to foundations. They survive on honeydew and rarely enter homes, though when swarmers appear indoors, it can catch homeowners off guard.
One of the most common signs of a carpenter ant problem is spotting large, black ants indoors during warmer months. These ants’ tunnel into wood to create nests, especially in moist or decaying areas like attics, wall studs, and under windows. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but cause similar damage through excavation. They usually gain access via cracks, wood rot, or roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in logs or tree stumps. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so nighttime activity is often the first clue of their presence.
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.
Pharaoh Ants are very small, light-colored ants that hide in cracks, wall voids, and behind appliances. Their colonies contain multiple queens and reproduce rapidly by budding, allowing them to spread through entire buildings. They are known for causing problems in hospitals, restaurants, and apartments due to their ability to contaminate food and transmit bacteria. These pests thrive in warm, humid indoor areas and are notoriously difficult to control.
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.
The big-headed ant, named for its enlarged head, often builds nests around homes in soil under rocks, wood, and foundations. Although they don’t pose a threat to structures, their large colonies make them difficult to eradicate completely. Environmental shifts such as excessive rain or high temperatures may lead them indoors. They are widespread in warm, subtropical climates and are known for causing recurring infestations when left unchecked.
Should I Hire a Pest Control Company for Ants or Try to Get Rid of Them Myself?
Trying to handle ants on your own might offer short-term relief, but it often doesn’t solve the root of the issue. Ant colonies tend to nest in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids, under floors, or around your home’s foundation, making them difficult to fully remove without expert help.
The Abell team in Stoney Creek knows how to identify the specific ant species, track down nesting sites, and use proven treatments that are effective for lasting results.
If you’re dealing with ants in your home or business, reach out to us for prompt, professional service in Stoney Creek. Whether you need a single treatment or ongoing prevention, our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Which Ant Species Are the Most Harmful or Dangerous?
While most household ants are more annoying than harmful, some pose bigger risks. Carpenter ants can damage wood structures by hollowing out areas for nesting. Fire ants can sting and cause serious allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known to carry and spread bacteria, making them a health concern, especially in hospitals and kitchens. Identifying the species helps determine the level of risk and the right solution.
How Do I Know If There’s an Ant Problem in My House?
Signs of an indoor ant infestation include visible trails of ants (especially in kitchens and near baseboards), small piles of debris or sawdust near walls, and flying ants inside the home, which may indicate a mature colony. You might also see ants gathering around food, water, or garbage. If you're noticing these signs regularly, it’s time to consult a professional like Abell Pest Control.
Which Types of Ants Are Commonly Found Inside Houses?
Several ant species often invade homes, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Carpenter ants create nests in damp or rotting wood, pavement ants build colonies in cracks in concrete or masonry, and pharaoh ants spread quickly in warm indoor environments. Correctly identifying the ant species is key to effective treatment and long-term prevention.
How Can I Stop Ants from Getting into My Home?
Preventing ants starts with good sanitation and blocking access points. Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills quickly, take out the trash regularly, and keep pet food areas clean. Check for and seal up small cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation to stop ants from finding a way indoors.
What Is the Cost of Professional Ant Control in Stoney Creek?
The price for ant removal services in Stoney Creek depends on several factors, including the ant species, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method needed. In many cases, we can provide an estimate over the phone after identifying the issue.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?
Carpenter ants are typically larger than most ants and are often confused with termites. The key difference is that termites consume wood, while carpenter ants chew through it to create nesting spaces. A licensed pest professional can help accurately identify whether you're dealing with ants or termites and recommend the right treatment.
