Ants are social insects that live in underground colonies. These insects will eat almost anything, but they are particularly fond of sweets. Additionally, you can easily identify various types of ants in Ontario by their colour, which is usually black, deep brown, red, or tan. Another commonly known trait is their length which varies from 1.5 mm to 13 mm depending on the species. Plus, they all have antennae and six legs in common. However, only reproductive ants have wings. Despite their small size, ants can pose severe threats by contaminating food and causing property damage. Thus, it’s worth looking at the different types of ants and the best methods for getting rid of them.

What are the Common Types of Ants in Ontario?

The most common types of ants in Ontario include these varieties:

• Black Carpenter Ants
• Argentine Ants
• Pavement Ants
• Pharaoh Ants
• Odorous House Ants
• Thief Ants

1. Black Carpenter Ants

The Black Carpenter ant is the largest and often causes structural damage. Black Carpenter Ants live in colonies with their workers and a queen. They’re about 1.2 cm long and completely black, with yellowish hairs on the abdomen. You’ll find them building their colonies around decaying wood. Plus, they become active at night.

 

 

How do I get rid of Black Carpenter Ants?

• Keep outdoor wood structures dry because Black Carpenter ants can chew through wet wood easily.
• Locate and destroy the nest immediately.
• Apply residual insecticides to the nest and its surrounding area
• Use bait made specifically for Black Carpenter ants.

2. Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are one of the most bothersome types of ants in Ontario. Although they prefer to live outside, these ants become quite a nuisance when they come inside to forage for food. These ants are light to deep brown in colour and range in length from 2.2 to 2.8 millimetres. Argentine ant colonies have been known to house hundreds of queens and millions of ants, thus covering entire city blocks.

 

How do I get rid of Argentine Ants?

• • Using a good ant bait is the most long-term and dependable way to eliminate Argentine ants.
  • Sprays can be effective as a spot treatment for Argentine ant nests.

3. Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants range in size from 2.5 to 4mm. They are found in cracks in concrete, pavement, patio stones, walls, and under the floors. Pavement Ants have a brownish-black body and pale-coloured legs. Also, its two spines at the end of the thorax distinguish it.

 

How do I get rid of Pavement Ants?

• Follow the ants’ trail to determine the path they take. Place ant bait stations along the identified trail.
• Apply an interior and exterior pesticide to affected areas.

4. Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are tiny insects that measure about 2mm in length. Their colours range from yellowish-brown to light red. They can be found in warm, humid environments like the kitchen and bathroom. Moreover, they nest beneath floors, behind interior walls and baseboards, thus making them inaccessible. Pharaoh ant colonies can grow to be quite large with many nests.

 

How do I get rid of Pharaoh Ants?

• Leaving poisoned bait close to the nest and in affected areas would be an effective method to get rid of Pharoah Ants.

5. Odorous House Ants

The Odorous House ant will nest almost anywhere but mostly under stones, logs, mulch, or debris. You can also find them in a bird’s or mammal’s nests and inside homes within walls, window frames, and insulation. The foul odour is what distinguishes these tiny ants.

 

 

How do I get rid of Odorous House Ants?

• Trim back trees and shrubbery away from the house to prevent nesting.
• Apply baits around the nest and other affected areas.
• Spray insecticide around the perimeter of the house and under the siding.

6. Thief Ants

Thief ants are among the tiniest household ants. Thief ants get their name from their habit of nesting close to, or even within, the nests of other ants. These ants have pale yellowish to light or deep brown bodies and are typically 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm long.

 

 

How do I get rid of Thief Ants?

• Find a nest, follow the ant trail backward from the food source, and then apply the bait.
• Spray outer walls, window sills, and doorways where ants might be able to get in.

Why should you Hire Professionals to Remove Ants from your Home?

You can try to go it alone when trying to rid your property of ants. However, many store-bought pesticides aren’t adequately potent, or they claim to kill all types of ants. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Or the ants die off for a short while only to return. Pestex, on the other hand, provides ant extermination services that are unparalleled in the industry. They know precisely where to spray and which specific formula to apply. These exterminators provide professional ant removal in Ontario for both residential and commercial properties—guaranteed.