Ants
Ants are social insects that live in large colonies. There are two main types of ants in a colony: queens and workers. The queen ant lays eggs and the worker ants care for the larvae, look for food and defend the nest.
Depending on the species, ant colonies multiply by swarming or budding. Swarming means that winged males and females leave the colony to mate at certain times of the year. The mated females then establish new colonies.
Although we provide control solutions for every type of ant species, the most encountered in BC are Pavement Ants, Carpenter Ants and Pharaoh Ants.
Find our Ant control Preparation Guide here.
Carpenter Ants
Size: 10-20mm
Color: all black, dark brown, dark red, or a combination of these.
Unique Characteristics: There are many species of carpenter ants in Canada. These Ants have a three part body which includes the head, thorax and abdomen.
Carpenter Ants establish their initial nest in decayed wood. Once established, the ants extend their tunneling into sound wood and can do a considerable amount of damage to a structure. They commonly nest in standing trees (living or dead), in stumps, or in logs on the forest floor. Since many houses are being built in forested areas, well-established, vigorous colonies are readily available in the immediate vicinity to attack these dwellings.
Control: Many pest management professionals consider carpenter ants the most difficult pest to control. The only total control solution is to locate and eliminate all of the satellite nests in a structure, and if possible the parent nest which is usually outdoors. This requires considerable knowledge, skills and experience. Spraying pesticides on carpenter ants visible outside of the nests will have little or no effect on the rest of the colony (only a few workers ever leave the nests). Common domestic ant poisons available to consumers have no effect on carpenter ants although they may work on some other ant species. Home remedies such as borax and sugar are also quite useless. The best solution is to phone us at Ideal Pest Control, request an estimate and consider the cost a worthwhile investment in the future value of your home.
Pavement Ants
Size: 2.5 - 4mm.
Color: dark brown to blackish.
Unique Characteristics: This is the most common species of Ants found in British Columbia. They are mainly found under building foundations, sidewalks, pavements, and patios. Although they are not at all harmful, they can be quite bothersome. Pavement Ants are most active during the spring and summer as these are the warmer seasons of the year. They also cause problems in the colder months as well within the inside of the home. As they are drawn out by heat, the use of heaters in the home can be associated with ant issues in colder months.
Control: For Pavement Ants, we recommend getting a perimeter spray done for the exterior of your home twice a year in the spring and summer. The residual effectiveness of the spray lasts up to 3 months which will keep you Ant free for each season. For the interior, we spray along the baseboard and any plumbing pipes. The action taken by the technician will vary case by case.
Pharaoh Ants
Size: around 2mm
Color: yellow or light brown
Unique Characteristics: Pharaoh ants are not very common in BC. At Ideal Pest Control, we receive very few calls about them each year. They are a species that are mainly found in warm climates, but have adapted to the climate in British Columbia. They are mainly found in hotels, grocery stores and hospitals. Although they are not harmful, Pharaoh Ants can be bothersome while also having the potential to transfer disease.
Control: For Pharaoh Ants, we do not use any sort of pesticide to control them. Pesticides do not work on this species of Ant, but rather it makes the problem a lot worse. To control Pharaoh Ants, our highly trained team uses poisonous baits which the Ants take back to their nest. This method of control poison’s their food supply and in return reduces their population. The only downside about Pharaoh Ants control with poison baits is that it will require some time to resolve. In such a scenario, the customers patience is highly appreciated.
