Guelph’s blend of historic buildings, lush green spaces, and growing suburban areas creates ideal conditions for ants to flourish. During the warmer months, especially in the summer’s heat and humidity, ants like carpenter ants and pavement ants commonly invade homes and commercial properties in search of shelter, moisture, and food. These seasonal conditions often lead to recurring infestations throughout the city.
If you’ve noticed ant trails, nests near your foundation, or activity in your kitchen or basement, Abell Pest Control in Guelph is ready to respond. Our local pest control specialists deliver customized solutions that include both proactive prevention and targeted treatments. We begin by inspecting your property to locate entry points, understand what’s attracting the ants, and determine the species involved.
Successful ant removal depends on precise identification. Knowing the type of ant allows us to apply safe, strategic treatments that get to the root of the problem and prevent reinfestation.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants are larger than many ant species and are known for building nests inside wood. Although they don’t eat the wood, they chew through it to construct tunnels. Damp and decaying areas, like basements or behind leaking walls, are prime targets for carpenter ant nests. Outdoor nests are typically found in rotted logs or wet firewood. Once inside, they set up in places like hollow doors or kitchen cabinets. If you want to prevent carpenter ants, sealing entry points and addressing moisture issues are essential first steps.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, often referred to as larger yellow ants, are widely found across North America. They’re recognized by their yellowish colour and the lemon-like smell they produce when crushed. These ants build nests in damp spots such as under wood, in wet soil, or near home foundations. They don’t bite, damage property, or go after human food, but their indoor swarming in warmer seasons can be annoying. Instead of typical food sources, they rely on the sweet honeydew secreted by insects living underground.
Pavement Ants
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
Tiny and yellow with dark rear segments, Pharaoh ants are a challenging pest to manage indoors. They form large colonies with several queens and multiply rapidly by budding. These ants often nest in warm, moist areas like bathrooms, behind walls, and inside appliances. They’re particularly troublesome in healthcare settings, food prep areas, and multi-family housing due to the contamination risks they pose.
European Fire Ants
If you’ve encountered ants with a fiery sting, you might be dealing with European fire ants. Known for their aggressive behavior, these pests favor cool, moist spots like lawns, shaded gardens, rotting wood, or beneath rocks. Their painful stings make enjoying outdoor spaces nearly impossible.
Big-Headed Ants
Big-headed ants are easily identified by their oversized heads relative to their bodies. They typically nest in soil around structures, under foundations, patio stones, rotting wood, tree stumps, and debris. While they don’t cause structural damage, their large colonies can be difficult to control and may lead to persistent infestations. Though usually outdoor nesters, changes in environmental conditions can drive them indoors. They are commonly found in subtropical regions worldwide.
How to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Ants are a common issue for homeowners in Guelph, especially during the warmer months when they search for food, water, and shelter. Follow these expert tips to prevent ants from invading your home:
What Are the Most Common Types of Ants Found Indoors in Guelph?
Several ant species regularly invade homes and buildings in Guelph. The most frequently seen include odorous house ants, which are drawn to sweet foods, carpenter ants that nest in damp or decaying wood, pavement ants that build colonies in cracks in concrete or stone surfaces, and pharaoh ants, which spread rapidly indoors and are difficult to control. Properly identifying the ant species is crucial for applying the right extermination method and preventing future infestations.
How Do I Know If I Have an Ant Infestation in My Home?
You may have an ant problem if you notice ants forming visible trails along floors, walls, or countertops, particularly near kitchens and food sources. Other signs include small piles of sawdust or soil, especially near baseboards or behind appliances, and sightings of winged ants, which often signal a mature and expanding colony. Frequent sightings are a clear sign to call a local pest control professional.
Which Types of Ants Pose the Biggest Threat to My Home or Health?
Which Types of Ants Pose the Biggest Threat to My Home or Health?
Carpenter ants can be especially destructive, as they tunnel through wood and may cause structural damage over time. While less common in Guelph, fire ants can sting and cause allergic reactions. Pharaoh ants are known for spreading bacteria, making them a serious concern in places like hospitals, care facilities, and kitchens. Identifying the species helps determine the potential risks and the best treatment plan.
How Do Carpenter Ants Differ from Termites?
Although both carpenter ants and termites damage wood, they do so in different ways. Termites eat wood as their food source, while carpenter ants chew through it to build nests. Carpenter ants are usually larger and may be visible foraging inside your home. A pest control expert can help you identify the pest correctly and recommend the most effective solution.
Is It Better to Hire a Professional or Use DIY Ant Control Methods?
DIY ant control products might work short-term, but they often fail to eliminate the entire colony. Ant nests can be hidden deep inside walls, under flooring, or outdoors in hard-to-reach areas. Without professional intervention, the problem usually returns.
Need reliable ant control in Guelph? Contact Abell Pest Control today. We offer fast, expert service backed by decades of experience. Whether you need one-time removal or year-round protection, we are available 24/7 and every service is covered by our satisfaction guarantee.
What Is the Average Cost for Ant Control in Guelph?
Ant control pricing in Guelph varies depending on the type of ant, how widespread the infestation is, and what kind of treatment is required. In many cases, Abell can assess your situation and provide a free estimate over the phone.
