Ant Control Services in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor’s mix of residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and changing seasons creates the perfect conditions for ant infestations. In spring and summer, ants are especially active, often invading homes and businesses in search of food, water, and shelter. As a result, ant control is a frequent concern for residents and business owners alike.

At Abell Pest Control, we provide professional ant control services across Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. Whether you own a home, rental property, or commercial space, our licensed technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, identify entry points, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate ants quickly and effectively.

Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:

Carpenter Ants

Known for their size and wood-damaging behavior, carpenter ants build nests by hollowing out wood, though they don’t eat it. These ants favour wet or rotted wood, frequently found in poorly ventilated spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, or around leaky window frames. They enter through deteriorated wood, foundation cracks, or roof joints. Outside, colonies form in decaying tree trunks or wet firewood. Inside, they gravitate toward moist, concealed areas like behind cabinets or within wooden doors. Carpenter ants are nocturnal and spotting them indoors during warmer months can mean they’ve established a nest within your home.

Pavement Ants

These small, dark brown ants are often seen in cities and suburbs, where they nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Known as pavement ants, they commonly invade homes through small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Though they’re not aggressive, they may bite or sting when disturbed. Homeowners typically notice them by the long trails they form while foraging.

Pharaoh Ants

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.

Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)

The larger yellow ant, or citronella ant, is commonly found throughout Canada and the U.S. Its most recognizable trait is a lemony odor released when crushed. Nesting in damp soil, under logs, or near foundations, it feeds exclusively on honeydew from root-feeding pests. While non-threatening, their swarming behavior in summer can be an annoying surprise.

Big-Headed Ants

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.

European Fire Ants

European fire ants, recognized for their hostile behavior and painful sting, often make their homes in shaded, damp environments. You might find them nesting in your backyard garden, beneath logs, or hidden in lawn debris. Their sting delivers sharp pain and discomfort, making them a persistent outdoor pest.

Questions and Answers

Why choose professional ant control in Ann Arbor over DIY and how does Abell deliver targeted, long-lasting, guaranteed results?

Over-the-counter products may cut down what you see, but they rarely eliminate the colony. Ants often nest behind walls, under floors, or outdoors in hard-to-reach spots, so they come back without proper treatment. Abell’s licensed technicians identify the exact species, locate hidden nests, and apply targeted treatments that remove ants at the source. We serve homes and businesses across Ann Arbor with fast, reliable service backed by decades of experience and a satisfaction guarantee. For trusted ant control that lasts, contact Abell Pest Control today and protect your property with proven solutions that work.

What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Ann Arbor?

Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Ann Arbor area. The most common include:

• Carpenter ants – These large ants’ nest in damp or rotting wood and can cause significant structural damage if left untreated.
• Pavement ants – Frequently found nesting in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.
• Pharaoh ants – Small, light-colored ants that reproduce quickly and are difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Correct species identification is essential to applying the most effective treatment and preventing future infestations.

Which types of ants are most harmful?

• Carpenter antsare the most damaging, as they excavate wood to build their nests, weakening the structure of your home over time.
• Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria and are particularly problematic in healthcare or food-handling environments.

Identifying the species helps determine the risk level and the urgency of treatment.

How do I know if I have an ant infestation?

Here are some common signs of an ant problem in your home:

• Trails of ants along walls, baseboards, or counters
• Small piles of sawdust, soil, or insect debris near entry points
• Winged ants inside your home, which may indicate a mature, active colony
• Ants repeatedly appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements

If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Ann Arbor.

What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?

To reduce the risk of an ant infestation in your Ann Arbor home:

• Keep all food sealed in airtight containers
• Wipe up crumbs, spills, and pet food immediately
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
• Repair leaky pipes and reduce indoor humidity, especially in basements and crawl spaces
• Trim shrubs and trees away from the house and store firewood off the ground and away from exterior walls

Regular pest control inspections can catch early signs of a problem before it grows.

What is the difference between carpenter ants and termites?

While both pests damage wood, they behave differently:

• Carpenter ants chew through wood to create tunnels and nesting sites but do not eat it
• Termites consume wood as their main food source and can cause extensive hidden damage
• Carpenter ants are usually visible, while termite damage often goes unnoticed until it’s severe

A trained pest control expert can confirm the pest type and recommend the best course of action.

How much does ant extermination cost in Ann Arbor?

The cost of professional ant control varies based on:

• The ant species involved
• The size and severity of the infestation
• The treatment method required

Abell Pest Control can typically provide a free estimate after a brief phone consultation or inspection.