Cornwall’s mix of historic neighbourhoods, riverfront parks, and suburban areas creates an inviting environment for ants to thrive. The city’s seasonal weather, with warm summers and cool, damp conditions, often drives ants indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter. Carpenter ants and pavement ants are particularly active during spring and summer, making ant control a frequent concern for residents and property owners.
If ants are invading your Cornwall home or business, Abell Pest Control is here to help. Our local experts conduct thorough inspections to identify entry points and nesting sites, then deliver targeted treatments that eliminate infestations quickly and prevent their return.
Successful ant management begins with accurate species identification. Because each ant species has unique behaviours and preferences, choosing the right treatment is key to long-lasting results. Our Cornwall technicians are trained to recognize local ants and apply proven methods tailored to your specific situation.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t feed on wood, they carve it out to build nests. These ants are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, typically found in places like leaking attics, behind siding, or in basement walls. They usually establish a main colony and then create satellite nests nearby. Common entry points include damaged wood trim, cracks in foundations, or roof leaks. Indoors, they may nest in hollow-core doors or near kitchen and bathroom plumbing. If you notice large ants wandering inside your home, especially at night, it could mean you have an active carpenter ant nest.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ants)
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.
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.
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.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
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.
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.
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 Cornwall 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Cornwall?
The cost of ant extermination in Cornwall 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.
