Ant Control & Extermination in Metro Vancouver
There are more than 700 ant species found in Canada, although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Small or large ants and brown or black ants are common nicknames for different species.
Ant Infestation
If you do find signs of an ant infestation in your home, contact a pest professional promptly. They will be able to inspect your home, perform proper ant species identification, and recommend a course on ant control and extermination.
Ant Identification – What Do Ants Look Like?
While there are about 25 different ant species known to infest homes, they all share similar characteristics including antennae and six legs, while their size may differ by species. Ants are social insects, meaning they live in colonies that can house up to hundreds of thousands of individuals, so you’ll likely see more than one at a time. Inside the home, ants can primarily be found in the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas provide access to food as well as moisture.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are generally in black, red, or a combination of the two colors. They are large ants that nest in live or dead trees including stumps and logs. They also have a tendency to establish satellite colonies in structures. These large ants are often mistakenly identified as termites and while both are wood-destroying pests in British Columbia, they are two completely different species.
Pavement Ants
Brown to black in color, pavement ants are commonly found nesting in exposed soil along driveways and sidewalks and can also be found in cracks in pavement and cement. Considered nuisance ants they will enter homes and structures in search of food.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are yellow or light brown ants that were originally from Africa. They are omnivorous ants that will infest homes and businesses in an effort to find food and are considered obnoxious ants because they get into everything. In hospitals and clinics, they have been found in patient wounds and IVs.
How Do You Get Rid of Ants in the House
Although they may be small in size, ants can pose serious threats by contaminating food and damaging property. Living and working in large colonies, an ant infestation can quickly spread if left unchecked. To help keep your home ant-free, follow these tips:
- Seal cracks and crevices around the home, especially in places where utilities enter
- Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with a sealed lid
- Promptly clean up food and drink spills
- Store sweets such as honey and sugar in closed containers
- Eliminate excess moisture by repairing leaking pipes and using a dehumidifier as needed
- Remove old landscape materials, debris and excess vegetation from the property to reduce potential nesting sites for ants
Our Ant Removal Services
Ants can easily go unnoticed due to their small size, allowing infestations to rapidly expand without warning. While species like red imported fire ants can inflict painful stings and even send people to the hospital, Argentine ants and carpenter ants can contaminate food and cause significant property damage. If you suspect or discover an ant infestation, contact our licensed pest control professional team at Seaside Pest Control.
If you’re dealing with an ant problem, our experts can help. We’ll remove all ants from your property quickly and efficiently, and we’ll also provide you with advice on how to prevent future infestations. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be sure that your home or business will be completely ant-free. Call us today to get started.
Expert ant exterminators in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Delta, and more.
