Are you tired of dealing with pesky ants invading your home in Ontario? Did you know that various types of ants are commonly found in Southwestern Ontario?
From black carpenter ants causing structural damage to Argentine ants becoming a nuisance indoors, it’s crucial to understand their characteristics and behaviors.
In this article, we will explore the different ant species in Ontario and the potential risks they pose to your property and health.
Black Carpenter Ants
If you’re dealing with black carpenter ants in Ontario, you should be aware that they’re the largest ant species found in the region. These ants are known for causing structural damage as they tunnel through damp or decaying wood.
Black carpenter ants live in colonies consisting of workers and a queen. They measure approximately 1.2 cm in length and are entirely black with yellowish hairs on their abdomen. These ants are primarily active at night.
It’s essential to address a black carpenter ant infestation promptly to prevent further damage to your property. Seeking professional assistance is recommended for effective and thorough ant removal in Ontario.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are one of Ontario’s most common ant species. They’re light to deep brown in color and range in length from 2.2 to 2.8 millimeters.
Argentine ant colonies can have hundreds of queens and millions of ants, making them highly populous. While they prefer to live outside, these ants become a nuisance when they forage for food indoors.
Identifying Argentine ants can be done by their small size and distinctive brown coloration. If you spot trails of tiny brown ants in your home, it’s likely that you have an infestation of Argentine ants.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants, also known as Tetramorium caespitum, are a common species found in Ontario. They’re relatively small, measuring around 2.5 to 4mm in size. These ants can be identified by their brownish-black bodies and pale-colored legs. One distinguishing feature of pavement ants is the presence of two spines at the end of their thorax.
They’re commonly found in cracks in concrete, pavement, walls, and other similar areas. During the colder months, pavement ants seek shelter inside or around homes, making them a nuisance. They’re known to contaminate food with microbes and can sting humans if provoked.
It’s important to take preventive measures and contact a professional ant control service if you have a pavement ant infestation in your home.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are an invasive and highly aggressive species. Their sting is compared to that of a hornet. These ants feed on decaying plant and animal matter and build nests in damp areas of underbrush.
Fire ant colonies can host up to 300,000 ants, making them a formidable force. They’re less common in urban areas but more prevalent in rural regions. It’s crucial to be cautious when encountering fire ants, as their bites can be painful and cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
Proper identification and professional services are recommended for the effective management and removal of fire ants in Ontario.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are tiny ants, measuring about 2mm in length, and their colors range from yellowish-brown to light red. They’re commonly found in warm and humid kitchens and bathrooms.
These ants nest beneath floors, behind walls, and baseboards, making them difficult to eliminate. Pharaoh ants are known to infest multiple areas of the home. They can contaminate food with bacteria like salmonella and can eat through fabrics like silk.
To eliminate Pharaoh ants, it’s recommended to leave poisoned bait close to their nests. Understanding the behavior and characteristics of Pharaoh ants is crucial in effectively managing and removing them from your home in Ontario.
Thief Ants
Thief ants, also known as small ants, are among the tiniest household ants found in Ontario. They typically have pale yellowish to light or deep brown bodies and are usually 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm long. Here are some key points to help you understand more about thief ants:
Characteristics of Thief Ants
- Pale yellowish to light or deep brown bodies
- Very small in size, typically 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm long
The behavior of Thief Ants
- Nest close to or within the nests of other ants
- Can be found in or around your home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
Understanding these characteristics and behaviors of thief ants can help you effectively deal with their infestation in Ontario.
Why Hire Professionals for Ant Removal
Hiring professionals for ant removal is the most effective solution for getting rid of ant infestations in Ontario.
It’s important to understand that tiny ants come in various sizes and species. During ant season, these pests can become a nuisance and cause damage to your property.
Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to identify the specific ant species and implement targeted methods for their removal. They know where to spray and which formula to use, ensuring the most efficient and long-lasting results.
Additional Tips for Ant Removal
To effectively remove ants from your property in Ontario, follow these additional tips:
- Identify the type of ants: Different ants require different removal methods. Determine if you’re dealing with black carpenter ants, Argentine ants, pavement ants, thief ants, pharaoh ants, odorous house ants, fire ants, or any other kind of ants commonly found in Ontario.
- For black carpenter ants, locate and treat their nests, as they can cause structural damage to your property.
- Argentine ants can be controlled by following their trails and placing ant bait stations.
- For pavement ants, find their nests in cracks and apply baits and insecticide around them.
- Thief ants nest close to or within the nests of other ants, so locate the nest and, apply bait and spray around the outer walls and entry points.
- Trim back trees and shrubbery: Ants often nest in vegetation close to your home. By trimming back trees and shrubbery, you can prevent them from creating nests near your property.
Battling ant infestations in Ontario can be a challenging task. However, with the help of professional ant extermination services like Pest Solution Services, you can effectively eliminate these pesky insects from your home.
