Parma, Ohio, a vibrant suburb of Cleveland, features a blend of residential areas, green spaces, and commercial zones, making it an ideal environment for ants to thrive. As temperatures rise during the spring and summer months, ant activity increases significantly, often leading to infestations in homes and businesses across the area.
Parma’s seasonal weather, cold winters followed by humid summers, drives ants indoors in search of warmth, moisture, and food sources.
If you're seeing signs of ant activity in your home or business, Abell Pest Control offers expert ant inspection and removal services in Parma and nearby communities. Our certified technicians understand the pest challenges specific to Northeast Ohio. We inspect your property thoroughly, identify the ant species present, locate nesting sites and entry points, and apply targeted treatments customized to your situation.
Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:
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.
If you're seeing large black ants in your home, you might be dealing with a carpenter ant infestation. These ants don’t consume wood, but they burrow into it to create galleries for nesting. They favor moisture-damaged wood, commonly found in attics, crawlspaces, and around windows or sinks. They often build a primary nest with multiple satellite colonies nearby. Outdoors, nests appear in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles. Entry into homes typically occurs through cracks in wood siding, unsealed vents, or loose window frames. For effective carpenter ant control, early detection is key.
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny, pale yellow ants with darker abdomens. They form massive colonies with multiple queens and reproduce by budding, which allows them to spread rapidly indoors. These ants thrive in warm, humid environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are especially difficult to eliminate. Common in apartments, hospitals, and restaurants, they contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing serious health risks.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Easily identified by the lemon scent they release when crushed, citronella ants thrive in moist habitats such as lawns, garden beds, and near foundation edges. Their diet consists of the sugary honeydew produced by aphids beneath the soil. Though non-invasive, swarming in spring can lead to unexpected infestations.
Big-headed ants are distinguished by the large size of their heads compared to their bodies. They prefer to nest in soil, particularly under concrete slabs, tree roots, old wood, and garden debris near buildings. Although they do not eat or damage structural materials, their numbers can become overwhelming. Environmental changes like excessive rain or drought can push them indoors. These ants thrive in subtropical environments found 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 Parma is experienced at identifying the exact ant species, locating nests, and using effective treatments designed for long-lasting results. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing prevention, we are available 24/7
How Mcuh Does It Cost to Remove Ants in Parma?
The cost of ant extermination in Parma 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.
