Ant Control

There are various common types of ants that can be found, and they often enter homes in search of food and shelter.

Ants are small insects, ranging in size from as tiny as 1mm (like black ants) to as large as 13mm (like carpenter ants). They typically come in black, brown, red, or yellow colors. Unfortunately, ants have become a prevalent pest in homes and are notoriously difficult to control. Ant infestations can occur both inside and outside of homes. Ants live in colonies, so if you spot a single ant, it likely indicates the presence of more nearby. A single ant colony can consist of over 100,000 ants!

Ant colonies send out scouts to find food sources. Ants are attracted to various food scraps, including sugary and greasy foods. Once a scout determines that your home has enticing food, it leaves a scented trail for the rest of the colony to follow back to your home. These colonies can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, or door frames. Once they establish your home as a suitable habitat, they are unlikely to leave without professional ant control services.

In Southern Ontario, there are numerous ant species, each requiring different treatment approaches. Common ant species that may invade homes in Canada include carpenter ants, fire ants, little black ants, odorous house ants, thief ants, pharaoh ants, and pavement ants. The latter can be a nuisance in outdoor areas like lawns, gardens, decks, or patios, and may find their way indoors as well. Among these species, carpenter ants pose a significant problem as they are the largest and can cause extensive structural damage by destroying wood to build their nests. One indication of a carpenter ant infestation is the presence of small piles of sawdust in your home.

Ants have the potential to crawl over animal feces before entering your home or coming into contact with your food, which can lead to contamination. It is crucial to address ant infestations promptly to prevent such contamination. While ant bites in Southern Ontario are not life-threatening, they can be painful and cause itching. As with most infestations, if an ant colony is not swiftly eliminated, the situation will worsen, resulting in significant property damage, potential health risks, and higher costs for ant control treatments. If you suspect an ant infestation, reach out to Pinnacle Pest Control & Wildlife for a thorough inspection and effective ant control and treatment options.