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Ant Removal
Ants
Ants Are A Nuisance And Damaging!!
Ants are social insects of the family Formicidae and belong to the order Hymenoptera, along with the related wasps and bees. Canada has over 100 species of ants, and some of these species damage structures and can infest homes, apartment buildings, and businesses. It is not uncommon to find ants infesting homes, apartment buildings, as well as businesses where food is prepared, and there is a source of water. When there is an ant infestation, the most effective way to get rid of these pests is to bring in a licensed ant exterminator.
About Ants
Ants vary in size from 1.5 mm to 13 mm. Their colour can be black, dark brown, red, or tan. In Canada, common structure-infesting ant species include: black carpenter ant, pavement ant, pharaoh ant, odorous house ant, Argentine ant, and thief ant. Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants cause the majority of the ant problems in Canadian homes.
Ants’ bodies are divided into three distinct parts: head, thorax and abdomen. All ants have six legs, but only reproductive ants have wings. The black carpenter ant is the largest, and tends to cause structural damage. Pavement ants and Pharaoh ants tend to be more of a nuisance, getting into foods in the home. Ants utilize a wide range of food resources as herbivores and scavengers, however most ant species are omnivorous.
Ant Colonies and Breeding
Ants live in colonies with populations often reaching hundreds of thousands. A typical ant colony consists of three distinct social castes: the queen, drones, and workers. Most colonies have one queen and many workers, but some species can have multiple queens. The queen lays eggs and controls activities of the nest through pheromone communication. The oval, white, transparent eggs are tiny, only 0.5 mm across. After one or two weeks, these eggs hatch into larvae. Adult ants regurgitate the food they have already eaten to feed these grubs.
Some species, like the carpenter ant, tunnel into wood to create nesting chambers, however most ant colonies build nests in soil. The workers forage for food to carry back to the colony. Foraging often brings ants into the home. Ants are drawn to grease, sugary foods, and meats.
Ant Infestation Problems
Ants gain access to buildings and homes through cracks in the walls or foundations, or through other crevices and very small openings. When residing indoors, ants may cause damage to the structure during nest building by chewing wood, insulation, and electrical cables. A few ant species such as pharaoh ants have been identified in disease transmission, particularly in long term care facilities and in hospitals. Ants with outdoor nesting habits can damage lawns and gardens. Some people can get an allergic reaction to an ant sting and develop inflamed skin at the sting sites. and experience cramps and headaches as reactions to ant venom.
Ant Control
Some ant colonies can grow in numbers quickly which makes it even more of a challenge to get rid of the ants. A professional ant exterminator can get the job done after investigation and assessment. To mitigate the risk of an ant infestation or re-infestation, implement the following:
- Maintain a clean and sanitized house or buildings
- Store food in tightly-sealed containers
- Promptly clean up spills and crumbs
- Regularly sweep the floor
- Seal cracks in walls and foundations
- Seal doors and windows
If ants are frequently seen in a home or business, or there are signs of a nearby nest, controlling infestation is necessary. An ant exterminator specializes in getting rid of ants and helping to prevent future infestations.
Professional Ant Removal Services Provides Peace of Mind
Ant infestations can be a real nuisance and even cause health problems. When an ant infestation is discovered, it is important to contact an ant exterminator before the situation gets out of control. You don’t have to risk your health, your family’s health, or your house due to an ant infestation. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email anytime. We are available seven days per week to provide pests such as mice, and wildlife control services in Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding areas, or to answer any of your questions.
