Ant Extermination
There are various ant species that can cause major pest issues on the structural exterior or even worse, by gaining access inside your home. Once on the interior they will live in the house and can create extensive damage. You may notice ants of different shapes and sizes walking around multiple areas of the home. You could be seeing adult, worker, male, or even winged ants. Ants are social insects and their numbers can easily reach populations in the thousands.
Carpenter ants are the largest in size, typically black, and will cause the most amount of structural, in-home damage. They prefer moist or decaying wood in the house while making elaborate networks in the form of a primary, parent and satellite colonies. In some situations, you can even notice wood shavings on the floor of your home as they look to expand their colony.
Pharaoh ants are usually very tiny, with almost clear like bodies that gravitate towards high protein, sugar, and water sources when invading the house. You may typically see these ants in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Pavement ants and also black ants, are a nuisance particularly when nesting in the home. These are usually ants that are small with a uniform size noted throughout the interior of the house.
Business hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
There are different treatment options when dealing with an ant infestation that can be explored. The most popular and effective way is by utilizing a licensed spray. This ant control method is best done in the entire home and is a very targeted, and safe application to eliminate ant colonies. Depending on the size of the home and the situation, it can take us up to 45 minutes to complete the application. Once complete, occupants should make arrangements to be out of the house for a minimum of three hours for the treatment to dry. This extermination method is completely safe for yourself, pets, and children; no smell, no odour, no staining!! Ants will take the residual insecticide back to the nest inside the wall thus eliminating the issue. The exterior structure will be done as well along the foundation, through cracks in the brick and walls, caulking along window frames, or any other gaps or small openings related to the structure of the home. Another effective option available is thru the use of a licensed gel. This application is a baiting method and relies on the worker ants that you’re seeing being attracted to the source and will bring the bait back to the nest thereby eliminating the colony
Whether you need the exterior structure treated as a preventative measure so ants will not take up residence inside the home or you need the interior and exterior treated, we at Affordable Pest Control can assist you for any ant extermination needs in the Durham Region but also servicing Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Uxbridge, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Maple, Georgina, and King City.
Why Ants Are Common in Durham Region Homes
Ant infestations are extremely common throughout Durham Region, especially during the spring and summer months when colonies become more active. Ants enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter, often appearing suddenly in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around windows or doors.
Homes throughout Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and Pickering commonly experience increased ant activity after heavy rain, extreme heat, or sudden temperature changes. Even the smallest crack around foundations, siding, doors, or window frams can provide ants with access into the home.
Once ants locate a food or moisture source, they leave scent trails that attract the rest of the colony, which is why infestations can grow quickly if left untreated.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants Can Cause Structural Damage
Carpenter ants are one of the most concerning ant species found in Durham Region because they tunnel through wood to build nesting galleries. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they can still cause damage over time by expanding their nests inside walls, soffits, subfloors, and damp structural wood.
Signs of carpenter ant activity may include:
- Large black ants inside the home
- Rustling noises inside walls
- Small piles of sawdust-like material
- Increased activity around windows, doors, or moisture-damaged wood
Carpenter ants are often attracted to damp or previously water-damaged areas, making early treatment important to prevent larger infestations. In addition, carpenter ants are predominately found where the sun hits most as they gravitate towards heat sources. They can be present in newer or older homes and often infect wooden decks and porches which eventually give them access to inside the home.
Why DIY Fails
Why Store-Bought Ant Sprays Often Don’t Work
Many homeowners attempt to treat ants using store-bought sprays or traps, but these products usually only eliminate the ants that are visible. The main colony often remains hidden behind walls, under flooring, or outside around the foundation. DIY ant treatment in Durham Region does not possess the necessary residual properties to effectively eliminate the colony. Homeowners are often left with spending upwards of hundreds of dollars only to be left with ants that are still present. Only licensed exterminators possess the knowledge and equipment to eliminate ants and their colonies.
In some cases, improper treatment can actually make the infestation worse by causing the colony to split and spread into multiple nesting sites.
Professional ant extermination focuses on identifying the species, locating nesting areas, and using targeted treatment methods designed to eliminate the colony at the source.
Treatment Process
Our Professional Ant Treatment Process
Every ant infestation is different, which is why proper identification and inspection are important. Depending on the species and severity of the infestation, treatment may include:
- Professional baiting systems
- Residual sprays
- Crack and crevice treatments
- Exterior perimeter applications
- Treatment of nesting areas around the property
Our goal is not just to reduce visible ant activity, but to eliminate the source of the infestation and help prevent future problems. And as always, Affordable Pest Control ant treatment is guaranteed!
Seasonal Activity
When Are Ants Most Active?
Ant activity typically increases during the warmer months, especially in spring and summer when colonies begin expanding and foraging more aggressively. Many homeowners first notice ants indoors after periods of rain or sudden heat, which can drive colonies to seek food and moisture inside the home.
However, carpenter ants may remain active year-round if nests are established inside heated wall voids or structural areas. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to see carpenter ants in subzero temperatures such as in the January or February months.
FAQs for Ant Exterminator in Durham
Ants usually enter homes in search of food, water, or shelter. Even small crumbs, sugary spills, pet food, or moisture around sinks can attract them. During warmer months, ants often build nests outdoors and send worker ants inside through tiny cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
Common signs include seeing lines of ants travelling to and from food sources, small piles of dirt or debris near walls or baseboards, and ants appearing regularly in kitchens or bathrooms. In some cases, you may also notice nests in soil near the foundation or inside wall voids.
Yes, carpenter ants are one of the most common ant species that homeowners deal with in the Durham Region. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build nests. Over time, this can weaken wooden structures such as decks, framing, and window frames if the colony grows large.
Store-bought sprays may kill visible ants, but they usually don’t eliminate the entire colony. Ant colonies can contain thousands of ants and may be hidden inside walls, under floors, or outdoors. Professional ant control focuses on locating and eliminating the nest to stop the infestation at its source.
A professional ant exterminator will inspect your property to identify the ant species, locate nesting areas, and determine how ants are entering the home. Treatment may include targeted baits, barrier treatments, and preventative measures to stop ants from returning.
Preventing ants involves keeping food sealed, cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly, sealing cracks and entry points, and addressing moisture issues around the home. Regular pest control inspections can also help detect early signs of ant activity before an infestation develops.