Newark, Ohio is a peaceful community surrounded by farmland, wooded landscapes, and a mix of suburban neighborhoods. While this environment makes it a pleasant place to live, it also creates the perfect conditions for ant infestations, especially in the warmer months of spring and summer when ants become more active in search of food, water, and shelter.
Newark’s seasonal weather, cold winters, wet springs, and humid summers, can force ants indoors, increasing the chances of infestations. Homes close to wooded areas or older construction are at greater risk of ongoing pest problems.
Our licensed technicians specialize in identifying ant species, locating entry points, and applying targeted treatments that eliminate infestations and help prevent future problems.
Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:
Pavement ants are a common sight in residential areas, especially near concrete walkways and foundations. They’re small, dark in colour, and tend to move in long, organized trails. These ants can enter homes through even the smallest cracks around doors and windows. Though they’re mostly harmless, they are capable of stinging or biting when disturbed.
Small and yellowish, Pharaoh ants thrive in indoor environments where it's warm and humid. They build large colonies with many queens and spread quickly through budding, a process where new colonies form without mating. You’ll often find them in wall voids, bathrooms, or near food sources. Their presence is especially concerning in healthcare settings, apartment buildings, and commercial kitchens due to the risk of food contamination and pathogen transmission.
Carpenter Ants are larger than many ant species and are known for building nests inside wood. Although they don’t eat the wood, they chew through it to construct tunnels. Damp and decaying areas, like basements or behind leaking walls, are prime targets for carpenter ant nests. Outdoor nests are typically found in rotted logs or wet firewood. Once inside, they set up in places like hollow doors or kitchen cabinets. If you want to prevent carpenter ants, sealing entry points and addressing moisture issues are essential first steps.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, often referred to as larger yellow ants, are widely found across North America. They’re recognized by their yellowish colour and the lemon-like smell they produce when crushed. These ants build nests in damp spots such as under wood, in wet soil, or near home foundations. They don’t bite, damage property, or go after human food, but their indoor swarming in warmer seasons can be annoying. Instead of typical food sources, they rely on the sweet honeydew secreted by insects living underground.
Big-headed ants are a distinctive species known for their oversized heads. These ants tend to nest in soil near human structures, under patio stones, in rotting wood, or beneath foundations. They aren’t known for structural damage, but their massive colonies often lead to stubborn infestations. Environmental changes such as heat or excessive moisture may cause them to move indoors. Big-headed ants are common in subtropical environments worldwide.
How Do I Know If Ants 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.
What Are the Most Common Ant Species Found in Homes?
Homeowners in Canada often encounter ants like odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants indoors. Odorous house ants seek out sweets, 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.
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 Prevent Ants in My House?
Keeping ants out starts with prevention. Store all food properly, clean up crumbs and spills right away, and don’t leave pet food out. Seal cracks and entry points around windows, doors, and your foundation. Also, reduce excess moisture by repairing leaks and trimming vegetation near the house.
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?
While DIY ant treatments may offer short-term relief, they often don’t address the source of the problem. Ant colonies tend to nest deep inside walls, under floors, or in hard-to-reach outdoor spots. Without proper identification and professional treatment, ants usually come back.
The Abell team in Newark is experienced at identifying the exact ant species, locating nests, and using effective treatments designed for long-lasting results.
If you’re dealing with ants in your Newark home, business, or property, contact us today. Our local technicians provide fast, reliable service backed by years of expertise and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we are available 24/7.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Newark?
The cost of ant control in Newark 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.
