Coquitlam’s blend of residential areas, parks, rivers, and forests creates an ideal environment for ants to thrive. The city’s cool, moist climate and expanding urban development often lead to ant infestations, especially during the warmer spring and summer months when carpenter ants and pavement ants become more active, seeking food, water, and shelter indoors.
Abell Pest Control’s local specialists provide tailored pest management solutions for Coquitlam properties. We conduct thorough inspections to identify entry points and nesting sites, then apply customized treatments that eliminate infestations effectively and help prevent their return.
Accurate species identification is key to successful ant control. Our trained technicians understand the unique behaviors and nesting habits of local ants, ensuring targeted treatments that deliver fast, lasting results.
Homeowners dealing with carpenter ants may not notice the damage until it becomes severe. These pests are drawn to moist wood, especially in basements, attics, or near leaking plumbing. Rather than consuming wood, they hollow it out to establish colonies. Entryways often include tiny cracks, damaged shingles, or soft wood near windows. Outdoors, carpenter ants’ nest in dead trees or logs. Indoors, look for them in hollow doors or behind baseboards. Prompt carpenter ant control is essential to avoid long-term structural issues.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
The larger yellow ant, or citronella ant, is commonly found throughout Canada and the U.S. Its most recognizable trait is a lemony odour released when crushed. Nesting in damp soil, under logs, or near foundations, it feeds exclusively on honeydew from root-feeding pests. While non-threatening, their swarming behavior in summer can be an annoying surprise.
Pavement ants are a common sight in residential areas, especially near concrete walkways and foundations. They’re small, dark in colour, and tend to move in long, organized trails. These ants can enter homes through even the smallest cracks around doors and windows. Though they’re mostly harmless, they are capable of stinging or biting when disturbed.
Pharaoh Ants are very small yellowish ants with darker tips on their bodies. They live in large colonies that contain multiple queens and multiply quickly through a process called budding. They often nest in warm, moist areas inside walls, kitchens, or bathrooms. Particularly common in apartment buildings, healthcare settings, and commercial kitchens, these ants can contaminate surfaces and food and are known to spread harmful bacteria.
Aggressive and highly invasive, European fire ants are a growing concern for homeowners and gardeners alike. These ants establish nests in moist, shaded areas such as lawns, flower beds, under stones, and inside plant pots. Their stings are not only painful but also can cause lasting irritation.
Big-headed ants stand out because of their unusually large heads, which are much bigger than their bodies. They favor nesting in soil-rich environments around homes, such as under patio slabs, wood piles, and foundations. While not destructive to property, they can create persistent problems due to the sheer volume of ants in a colony. Though outdoor insects by nature, they may enter buildings when weather conditions change. These ants are especially common in subtropical regions across the globe.
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.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found Inside Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Carpenter ants’ tunnel through wet or rotting wood, pavement ants build nests in pavement cracks, and pharaoh ants can quickly infest entire buildings. Accurate identification is the first step to effective treatment.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Ants in My House?
Are Some Ants More Problematic Than Others?
Yes, certain ants can be more than just a nuisance. Carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures 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.
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 control methods may seem helpful at first, but they often fail to get to the heart of the problem. Ant colonies are usually hidden in hard-to-reach places like inside walls or deep underground, which makes them difficult to eliminate without expert help.
The experienced team at Abell Pest Control in Coquitlam is trained to identify the species, find the source, and apply effective treatments designed for long-term results.
If ants are invading your home or business, give us a call. Our local team provides fast, professional service backed by years of expertise and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need a one-time solution or ongoing prevention, we’re available around the clock.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Coquitlam?
The cost of ant extermination in Coquitlam 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.
