Hialeah’s warm, humid climate and densely populated neighborhoods create the perfect environment for ants to thrive throughout the year. The subtropical weather, frequent rainfall, and older buildings provide ants with ample access to food, moisture, and shelter. As a result, ant infestations are a common challenge for homeowners and businesses, especially during the warmer months.
If you’re seeing ants in your home or business, Abell Pest Control in Hialeah, Florida can help. Our team starts with a thorough inspection to pinpoint entry points, attractants, and the scale of the problem, then identifies the species and applies proven, targeted treatments. We also provide practical prevention tips to keep ants from returning. Acting promptly helps protect your property and family.
Carpenter ants are a major wood-boring pest that can weaken the structure of a home by building extensive tunnel systems inside wood. They prefer damp wood, which is commonly found near windows, sinks, or basements. Although they don’t eat the wood, their burrowing causes real damage. Outdoor nests often develop in stumps or mulch piles, while indoor nests are in hidden, moist areas. The most active time for carpenter ants is during the night, and their presence indoors often signals a need for immediate pest control measures.
Fire ants present a different type of threat. Known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, fire ants typically build large, visible mounds in open, sunny areas such as lawns, gardens, and playgrounds. While they are usually found outdoors, they may enter buildings in search of food or water. Fire ant stings can be dangerous, especially for children, pets, or individuals with allergies, making quick and effective control essential.
Watch out for European fire ants in your garden or lawn! These aggressive ants hide in moist, shaded places, under rocks, in plant pots, or among garden debris. Their stings are incredibly painful and can cause lasting irritation, making them a serious pest in outdoor areas.
Carpenter Ants are larger than most ants and can cause serious damage by hollowing out wood for nesting. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they construct their nest inside it. They prefer damp or decaying areas, often around windows, basements, and attics. They enter buildings through damaged wood, cracks, and gaps near windows, doors, and roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in moist wood like tree stumps or firewood, while indoors they prefer hollow doors, cabinets, and areas near moisture sources. They form a main colony with satellite nests nearby and are most active at night. Seeing large black ants indoors, especially in warmer months, often indicates an active infestation.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown insects commonly found nesting beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They often enter homes through small cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While they’re not considered dangerous, they can bite or sting if disturbed. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants a frequent nuisance in urban environments.
Pharaoh Ants are tiny, yellowish ants that form large colonies with multiple queens. They thrive in warm, humid indoor environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms. Particularly problematic in apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, and foodservice settings, these ants are known for contaminating food and surfaces, making them a persistent nuisance.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, often called the larger yellow ant, is found throughout much of North America. These ants are known for their yellow-brown coloring and the citrus-like odor they release when crushed. They prefer to build their nests in damp environments, such as under logs, in moist soil, or around building foundations. Although they don’t pose a threat to humans and don’t contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during the warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of typical household food, they feed on the sugary honeydew secreted by underground insects.
With heads significantly larger than their bodies, big-headed ants are easy to spot. These ants usually build their nests outdoors, in soil beneath stones, foundations, rotting wood, and stumps. Although they don't destroy structures, the large size of their colonies can make control efforts frustrating and prolonged. When outdoor conditions become unfavorable, they may move indoors in search of better shelter. They are a common pest in subtropical zones worldwide.
Is it better to handle an ant problem on my own or bring in a pest control service?
Over-the-counter ant sprays and bait traps may reduce visible activity, but they rarely eliminate the root of the problem. Ant colonies often nest behind walls, beneath floors, or outdoors in hard-to-reach areas. Without proper treatment, ants typically return.
Our licensed technicians are trained to identify the exact species, locate hidden nests, and use targeted treatments designed for long-lasting results in residential and commercial properties.
Whether you're facing a small ant problem or a larger infestation, our team provides fast, reliable service backed by decades of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
Which ant species are most frequently found inside Hialeah homes?
Hialeah homes and businesses often deal with a few main types of ants. These include:
Knowing exactly which species you're dealing with is essential for choosing the right treatment and avoiding repeat infestations.
Which ant species pose the greatest risk?
Proper identification of the species helps assess the threat level and determine how quickly treatment should be applied.
What are the warning signs of an ant infestation?
You might have an ant problem if you notice any of the following:
If these signs show up, it’s a good idea to contact Abell Pest Control in Hialeah for a professional inspection.
How can I stop ants from entering my home?
To help keep ants outside where they belong, take these preventive measures:
Routine pest control inspections can help catch issues early before they turn into serious infestations.
How do carpenter ants and termites differ?
Although both pests can damage wood, they have different behaviors and feeding habits:
A licensed pest control technician can identify the pest and recommend the right solution.
What should I expect to pay for professional ant control in Hialeah?
The price of ant extermination services depends on several factors, including:
Abell Pest Control typically offers free estimates, either over the phone or after an initial inspection, to help you understand your options and costs.