Summerside, located on Prince Edward Island, features a blend of coastal areas, farmland, and residential neighbourhoods. The region’s mild, humid summers and wet springs create ideal conditions for ants to thrive. During warmer months, residents often notice increased ant activity inside homes as these pests search for food, moisture, and shelter.
Common ants in Summerside include carpenter ants, which are attracted to damp or decaying wood and can cause damage in older or moisture-affected structures. Pavement ants are also frequently found nesting near foundations, sidewalks, and driveways, often entering homes while foraging for food.
If ants are invading your Summerside home or business, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our local experts know how to identify entry points and attractants, then apply effective treatments to eliminate ants and keep them from coming back.
Each ant species has unique behaviours and nesting habits, so proper identification is key to effective treatment. By understanding their patterns, we customize solutions that provide lasting protection suited to Summerside’s specific environment.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also known as large yellow ants, are native to many areas in North America. These ants are yellow in colour and release a strong citrus-like scent when crushed. They typically build nests in moist environments such as beneath logs, in damp soil, or near building foundations. While they don’t pose any health risk or contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of foraging for food in kitchens, they feed on honeydew produced by underground insects.
With their trademark large heads, big-headed ants commonly inhabit soil around buildings, choosing areas like under stones, old wood, and foundations to build nests. These ants are not structurally harmful, but their large colonies can be challenging to eliminate and may recur. While typically outdoor pests, weather-related stress can cause them to invade homes. They are most often found in subtropical regions around the world.
Carpenter Ants are a major wood-boring pest that can weaken the structure of a home by building extensive tunnel systems inside wood. They prefer damp wood, which is commonly found near windows, sinks, or basements. Although they don’t eat the wood, their burrowing causes real damage. Outdoor nests often develop in stumps or mulch piles, while indoor nests are in hidden, moist areas. The most active time for carpenter ants is during the night, and their presence indoors often signals a need for immediate pest control measures.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown ants commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, foundation slabs, and between walls. They can enter homes and buildings through tiny cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While generally harmless, they can bite or sting when disturbed, causing mild discomfort. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants one of the most noticeable ant problems in urban areas.
Pharaoh Ants are tiny, fast-spreading ants with pale yellow colouring and darker rear segments. They form extensive colonies with multiple queens, and when disturbed, they split into new colonies, making them incredibly hard to eliminate. Common nesting areas include kitchens, bathrooms, and wall voids. They’re a frequent issue in hospitals, food facilities, and multi-unit housing due to their ability to spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces.
European Fire Ants are known for their aggressive behaviour and painful sting. These ants build nests in moist, shaded environments such as lawns, gardens, decaying logs, under rocks or debris, and even in potted plants. The sting from European fire ants can cause intense pain and irritation, making them a considerable nuisance in outdoor spaces.
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 Summerside 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. 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 Summerside?
The price for ant removal services in Summerside 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.
