Norfolk County’s charming mix of rural towns, farmland, forests, and shoreline creates an ideal habitat for ants. When spring turns into summer, ants often head indoors, lured by warmth, moisture, and food, a seasonal nuisance for homes, cottages, and businesses across the region.
At Abell Pest Control in Norfolk County, we specialize in pinpointing and eliminating ant problems where they begin. Our experienced technicians thoroughly inspect your property, identify how and where ants are getting inside, and deploy treatments targeting the colony’s heart. Whether it’s a cozy residence, a rural farm, a vacation cottage, or a commercial space, we tailor our methods to your needs, starting with accurate species identification to ensure lasting results.
Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:
Pharaoh Ants are tiny, fast-spreading ants with pale yellow colouring and darker rear segments. They form extensive colonies with multiple queens, and when disturbed, they split into new colonies, making them incredibly hard to eliminate. Common nesting areas include kitchens, bathrooms, and wall voids. They’re a frequent issue in hospitals, food facilities, and multi-unit housing due to their ability to spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces.
One of the most common signs of a carpenter ant problem is spotting large, black ants indoors during warmer months. These ants’ tunnel into wood to create nests, especially in moist or decaying areas like attics, wall studs, and under windows. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but cause similar damage through excavation. They usually gain access via cracks, wood rot, or roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in logs or tree stumps. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so nighttime activity is often the first clue of their presence.
Urban environments provide the ideal habitat for pavement ants, which often nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building slabs. These small brown ants enter homes through tiny cracks and crevices, especially around entry points like doors and windows. While they aren’t dangerous, their bite or sting can be mildly irritating. Their presence is usually first noticed by the long, steady trails they form indoors.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also known as large yellow ants, are native to many areas in North America. These ants are yellow in colour and release a strong citrus-like scent when crushed. They typically build nests in moist environments such as beneath logs, in damp soil, or near building foundations. While they don’t pose any health risk or contaminate food, their tendency to swarm indoors during warmer months can be bothersome. Instead of foraging for food in kitchens, they feed on honeydew produced by underground insects.
European Fire Ants are notorious for their aggressive nature and extremely painful stings. Commonly found nesting in damp, shady areas like gardens, lawns, under rocks, decaying logs, and even potted plants, these invasive ants pose a serious problem. Their stings cause intense discomfort and irritation, turning outdoor spaces into danger zones.
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.
Should I try DIY ant control or call a professional?
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.
Abell Pest Control offers professional ant extermination services throughout Norfolk. 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.
For trusted ant control in Norfolk, contact Abell Pest Control today and protect your home with proven solutions that work.
What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Norfolk?
Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Norfolk area. The most common include:
Correct species identification is essential to applying the most effective treatment and preventing future infestations.
Which types of ants are most harmful?
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:
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Norfolk.
What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?
To reduce the risk of an ant infestation in your Norfolk home:
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:
A trained pest control expert can confirm the pest type and recommend the best course of action.
How much does ant control cost in Norfolk?
The cost of professional ant control varies based on:
Abell Pest Control can typically provide a free estimate after a brief phone consultation or inspection.
