The Fraser Valley’s unique combination of agricultural land, forests, and expanding residential communities creates an ideal environment for ants. With mild, wet winters and warm summers, ants such as pavement ants and carpenter ants are commonly drawn indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter, making infestations a regular concern for local homeowners and businesses.
If you're seeing signs of ant activity, Abell Pest Control in the Fraser Valley is here to help. Our licensed technicians provide comprehensive ant control services, including thorough inspections, preventative recommendations, and targeted treatments. We identify how ants are getting inside and what’s attracting them, then eliminate the infestation at its source to ensure long-term protection.
Our Fraser Valley pest experts are trained to recognize these behaviours and apply solutions tailored to your property’s unique needs, whether it's a home, rental property, or commercial space.
Carpenter Ants are wood-destroying pests that build nests by chewing through damp or decaying wood. Though they don’t eat wood like termites, they tunnel through it to create space for their colonies. These ants usually nest around moist areas such as windows, bathrooms, or leaky basements. They can enter your home through cracks, wood rot, or loose siding. Outside, they prefer decaying tree trunks or wet firewood. Inside, they target hollow spaces like door panels and wall cavities. Seeing large black ants crawling indoors, especially at night, is a strong indicator of a carpenter ant infestation.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, commonly known as the larger yellow ants, are widely distributed throughout North America. These insects are easily identified by their yellow-brown colouration and the lemon-like scent they produce when squashed. Favouring moist environments, they often establish colonies beneath logs, in wet soil, or near the foundations of buildings. Although they aren’t dangerous to humans and don’t interfere with food, their occasional indoor swarming during warmer seasons can be irritating. Rather than feeding on household scraps, citronella ants rely on the sugary honeydew secreted by insects living underground.
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.
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.
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.
Known for their oversized heads, big-headed ants often make nests in the soil surrounding homes. They're typically found under pavers, near foundations, or hidden in decaying wood and yard debris. These ants don’t harm structures directly, but their large colonies can be incredibly difficult to eliminate once established. Though primarily outdoor dwellers, changes in moisture or temperature may drive them inside. They’re frequently encountered in subtropical climates around the world.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Types of Ants Frequently Found Indoors
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Fraser Valley, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants. Odorous house ants are attracted to sugary food, carpenter ants prefer damp or decaying wood and may cause damage to your home’s structure, pavement ants often nest in cracks along concrete or stone, and pharaoh ants are known for spreading quickly throughout buildings. Identifying the ant species correctly is essential for successful treatment and ongoing prevention.
How Can I Tell If There Are Ants in My House?
Signs of an ant infestation include visible trails of ants on walls or countertops, especially in kitchens, small piles of debris like sawdust or soil near baseboards, and the presence of winged ants, which often signals a mature colony. If ants are regularly seen near food or water sources, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Which Ant Species Should I Be Most Concerned About?
Some ants are more than just a nuisance. Carpenter ants can cause significant structural problems by hollowing out wooden beams. Fire ants, though less common in Fraser Valley, can sting and cause allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants can spread germs and are particularly dangerous in places like hospitals and food prep areas. Knowing which ant species present helps is guide the right treatment plan.
How Are Carpenter Ants Different from Termites?
Carpenter ants and termites both damage wood, but in different ways. Carpenter ants dig into damp wood to create nests, while termites consume the wood itself. Carpenter ants are usually larger and more likely to be seen. A licensed pest control expert can inspect your home and confirm which pest is present.
Should I Call a Pest Control Company or Try DIY Ant Treatments?
Do-it-yourself ant treatments might give temporary relief, but they rarely eliminate the root of the issue. Ant nests are often hidden behind walls, under flooring, or outside in hard-to-reach spots, making them difficult to fully remove without expert help.
Looking for trusted ant removal services in Fraser Valley? Contact Abell Pest Control for fast, professional help backed by decades of experience. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we’re available 24/7 and every service comes with our satisfaction guarantee.
How Much Does Ant Control Cost in Fraser Valley?
The cost of ant removal in Fraser Valley depends on the type of ant, the size of the infestation, and the treatment plan needed. In many cases, Abell can provide a quote over the phone after identifying the issue.
