Lansing’s blend of residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and varying seasonal weather patterns creates an inviting environment for ant activity. As temperatures rise in the spring and summer, ants, particularly carpenter ants and pavement ants, frequently invade homes and commercial properties in search of food, moisture, and shelter. These seasonal surges make ant infestations a common concern for Lansing residents and business owners.
If ants have taken over your property, Abell Pest Control in Lansing is ready to help. Our local pest control experts use a strategic and informed approach that combines preventative methods with effective treatments. We pinpoint how ants are getting inside, what’s attracting them, and apply targeted solutions to eliminate the infestation at its source. This ensures your home or business remains protected and ant-free.
Accurate identification is essential for effective ant control. Different ant species have unique nesting behaviors and food preferences, so proper treatment starts with knowing exactly which type of ant you're dealing with.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Known for their distinct yellow-brown hue and the citrusy smell they emit when crushed, citronella ants, often referred to as larger yellow ants, are widespread across North America. They favor damp locations for nesting, such as moist soil, decaying wood, or the areas surrounding building foundations. Though they don’t bite, damage structures, or spoil food, their seasonal indoor swarming, especially in warmer months, can be an annoyance. Unlike many other ant species, they don’t seek out typical human food. Instead, they feed on the sugary honeydew excreted by underground insects like aphids and mealybugs.
Pavement ants are a common pest in urban areas, known for building their nests under concrete slabs, sidewalks, and driveways. These ants can make their way indoors through cracks and gaps near windows, doors, and other entry points. While they rarely pose a serious threat, they can bite or sting if handled. One of the earliest indicators of an infestation is the appearance of visible ant trails.
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.
Big-headed ants stand out because of their unusually large heads, which are much bigger than their bodies. They favor nesting in soil-rich environments around homes, such as under patio slabs, wood piles, and foundations. While not destructive to property, they can create persistent problems due to the sheer volume of ants in a colony. Though outdoor insects by nature, they may enter buildings when weather conditions change. These ants are especially common in subtropical regions across the globe.
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.
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, fire ants are aggressive and can sting, 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 fixes may offer brief relief but rarely reach the colony. Nests often hide in walls or underground, so infestations rebound without expert treatment. Abell Pest Control in Lansing, MI identifies the species, locates the source, and applies targeted treatments for lasting results. Call our local team for fast, professional service, backed by years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Lansing?
The cost of ant extermination in Lansing, MI 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.
