Reliable Ant Control in London

In London, Ontario, ant problems are especially common during the spring and summer months. The combination of mature neighbourhoods, older homes, and surrounding green spaces creates the perfect environment for ants to thrive. They often enter homes and businesses in search of food, water, or shelter.

Abell Pest Control in London provides customized ant solutions that eliminate colonies and prevent their return. We start with a detailed inspection to locate entry points, nests, and attractants. Then our trained technicians identify the species and apply targeted, species-specific treatments for effective, long-term control.

Carpentar Ants

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.

Pharaoh Ants

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.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are among the most noticeable ant species in urban areas, often forming long trails that signal an active infestation. They nest under concrete surfaces like sidewalks and driveways and often enter buildings through cracks near doors and windows. While generally not harmful, they can bite or sting if they feel threatened.

Big-Headed Ants

Big-headed ants are distinguished by the large size of their heads compared to their bodies. They prefer to nest in soil, particularly under concrete slabs, tree roots, old wood, and garden debris near buildings. Although they do not eat or damage structural materials, their numbers can become overwhelming. Environmental changes like excessive rain or drought can push them indoors. These ants thrive in subtropical environments found worldwide.

Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)

Citronella ants, also called large yellow ants, are common throughout North America. They have a yellow colour and give off a citrus-like odour when crushed. These ants prefer moist areas like soil, under logs, or near building foundations. Although they don’t harm humans or contaminate food, they can become a nuisance when they swarm indoors during warm months. Unlike other ants, citronella ants feed on honeydew from underground insects, not household food.

European Fire Ants

Outdoor spaces can become infested with European fire ants, an aggressive species known for painful stings. They commonly nest in shaded, damp spots such as gardens, lawns, woodpiles, or underneath outdoor clutter. Their bites can leave a lasting impression, literally and figuratively.

How to Prevent Ants in Your Home in London

Ants are a frequent problem for homeowners in London, especially during the dry, warm months. If you're looking for ways to stop ants from entering your home, these simple prevention tips can help:

• Tidy Up Outdoors Start by maintaining your outdoor space. Trim shrubs and trees that touch the building, clear away leaves, and avoid stacking firewood against exterior walls, these areas often become nesting sites for ants.
• Seal Entry Points Check for cracks or small gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation. Seal up any openings to keep ants from sneaking inside.
• Address Moisture Issues Fix any leaking pipes, taps, or roof areas. Carpenter ants are especially drawn to damp wood, so reducing moisture and humidity helps deter them.
• Store Food Properly Use airtight containers for food, and promptly clean up crumbs, spills, or pet food. Regularly wipe counters and sweep floors to remove food debris that could attract ants.
• Manage Garbage Wisely Use bins with tight-fitting lids, empty them often, and clean them out to eliminate odors and residue that entice ants.
• Schedule Preventive Inspections Regular pest control checks are a smart way to catch problems early. Abell Pest Control offers inspection and prevention services across London Island to help keep your space ant-free.

Questions and Answers

How can I tell if I have an ant infestation?

You may have an ant problem if you notice:

• Ant trails on walls, baseboards, or countertops
• Small piles of sawdust or dirt near walls or appliances
• Flying ants inside your home, indicating a mature colony

If ants are seen frequently, contact a pest control expert from Abell in London for an inspection.

How do I prevent ants from entering my home?

To keep ants out of your London home:

• Store food in airtight containers
• Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food promptly
• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
• Fix plumbing leaks and reduce indoor humidity
• Keep shrubs trimmed and firewood away from your foundation

Regular pest inspections can also catch issues early.

What types of ants are commonly found in London?

In London, the most common ants include:

• Carpenter ants, which nest in damp or decaying wood and can cause structural damage.
• Pavement ants, which build colonies in cracks around concrete and foundations.
• Pharaoh ants, which spread quickly indoors and are difficult to control.

Identifying the species is essential for choosing the right treatment and preventing future infestations.

Which ant species are the most harmful to my home or health?

• Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood to build nests.
• Pharaoh ants can carry bacteria and are a concern in food service and healthcare settings.
• Fire ants are uncommon in London but can sting and cause allergic reactions if present.

A proper species ID helps assess the risk and treatment needs.

What’s the difference between carpenter ants and termites?

• Carpenter ants chew wood to create nests but do not eat it
• Termites consume wood as a food source
• Carpenter ants are usually larger and more visible indoors
• Termite damage often goes unnoticed until it’s severe

A professional pest inspection is the best way to confirm which pest is present.

Can I get rid of ants myself, or should I call a professional?

DIY ant products may offer brief relief, but they rarely eliminate the colony. Nests often hide in walls, under floors, or outdoors, so the problem returns without professional help. Abell’s licensed technicians identify the species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments for lasting results. We provide fast, expert service one-time or year-round, available 24/7 and backed by decades of experience and our satisfaction guarantee.

How much does professional ant control cost in London?

The cost of ant extermination varies based on:

• The type of ant
• The severity of the infestation
• The treatment method required

Abell Pest Control can often provide a free quote after a quick phone assessment.