Dartmouth’s coastal climate, wooded landscapes, and residential developments create the perfect environment for ants to thrive. Nearby lakes, green spaces, and shifting seasonal temperatures often drive ants like carpenter ants and pavement ants indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter. As a result, ant infestations are a common issue for homeowners and businesses across the area.
If you’re seeing signs of ant activity in your property, Abell Pest Control in Dartmouth is here to help. Our trained technicians provide reliable, professional ant control services focused on both immediate elimination and long-term prevention. We inspect your home or business to identify how ants are getting in, uncover what’s attracting them, and apply targeted treatments to stop the infestation at its source.
Effective Ant Control Starts with Proper Identification
Different ant species require different strategies. Pavement ants typically nest in cracks along foundations or driveways and enter buildings in search of food. Carpenter ants prefer damp or decaying wood and can cause serious structural damage if left untreated. By accurately identifying the species, our team can tailor a treatment plan that delivers fast, effective, and lasting results.
A carpenter ant infestation can result in significant structural damage over time. These large ants dig into wood to form nests, often in moisture-prone areas like attics, under sinks, and near leaking windows. While they don’t consume the wood, their excavation weakens it. Outdoors, carpenter ants commonly inhabit rotted logs or stumps, while indoor nests are found in cabinets, hollow doors, or wall voids. Entry points include foundation cracks, rooflines, and siding gaps. Spotting these ants inside your home, especially at night, is one of the first signs of a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ants)
Easily identified by the lemon scent they release when crushed, citronella ants thrive in moist habitats such as lawns, garden beds, and near foundation edges. Their diet consists of the sugary honeydew produced by aphids beneath the soil. Though non-invasive, swarming in spring can lead to unexpected infestations.
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 can quickly become a major nuisance in outdoor environments. These aggressive insects prefer to nest in damp, shaded areas like gardens, under stones, and in decaying organic matter. Their painful stings can make outdoor activities uncomfortable or even unbearable.
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.
Types of Ants Frequently Found Indoors
Several types of ants are commonly found inside homes in Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth, 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.
What Can I Do to Prevent Ants from Entering My Home?
Ant prevention starts with maintaining a clean environment. Keep all food sealed, clean up crumbs and spills quickly, and take out the garbage frequently. Seal cracks and small gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation to block entry points. Also, repair leaky plumbing and manage moisture to deter ants, especially carpenter ants.
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 Dartmouth? 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 Dartmouth?
The cost of ant removal in Dartmouth 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.
