pest library | ants

All About Ants: Pest Library

February 1, 2022 by

Major Pest Control Pest Information Library. Helpful information on Ants in Canada And How To Control Ants.

ants and ant hills exterminator edmonton 1

Ants: Description

More than 100 species of ants are found in Canada. Some of these species are “structure-infesting”, having the ability to reside in and around your home. The most common species of structure-infesting ants in Canada are carpenter ant, odorous house ant, pavement ant, Argentine ant, pharaoh ant, acrobat ant, and thief ant.

Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants are responsible for most problems in the home in Alberta. The species most associated with structural damage is the black carpenter ant, which is also the largest in size. When nesting indoors, pavement ants tend to be more of an annoyance than causing structural damage. Similarly, pharaoh a0nts are an indoor nuisance pest and are attracted by foods high in protein and sugar.

Types Of Ants

Acrobat ants belong to the genus Crematogaster, are less than 5.5 mm in length, have heart-shaped abdomens, and emit an odor when disturbed. When found outside, acrobat ants establish colonies near moisture: under rocks and in rotting wood such as stumps or woodpiles. When infesting indoors, acrobat ants typically nest in moist areas like in foam insulation behind siding or where water leaks have damaged the structure. 

The scientific name for Argentine ants is Linepithema humile. They are about 2.5 mm (+/- 3 mm) in length, have smooth, hairless bodies and are light to dark brown. Argentine ants are found outdoors in soil, under wood and logs, and in the cavities at the base of trees and shrubs. While Argentine ants are omnivorous (can eat nearly anything), they seek out foods that are sweet.

Carpenter ants belong to the genus Camponotus, are between 3 and 13 mm in length, have a rounded thorax and prominent mandibles, and are brown, black, or red and black in color. Carpenter ants nest both indoors and outdoors in moist, rotting wood. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants remove wood, depositing the debris in small piles outside their nests. 

The scientific name for odorous house ants is Tapinoma sessile. They are between 2 and 3 mm in length and are dark gray or brown in color. Their name is derived from the rotten odor they emit if crushed. Outdoors, odorous house ants live in shallow nests established on beaches and in swamps and bogs. Indoors, they are attracted to warmth and moisture and will colonize within walls, around hot water pipes and heaters, and under sinks and bathtubs. Odorous house ants are highly opportunistic and are active year-round in Canada. 

The scientific name for pavement ants is Tetramorium immigrans. They are between 2.5 and 3 mm in length, have visible grooves on their head and thorax, have one pair of spines on their thorax, and are pale brown to black in color.Their names is derived from their tendency to establish nests under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. A common sign of pavement ant activity is a mound of displaced soil near a paved area. Pavement ants may establish nests

The scientific name for pharaoh ants is Monomorium pharaonis. Workers are 2 mm in length and yellow to light brown in color, while queens are 4 mm in length and reddish in color. Queen pharaoh ants, which are twice the size of workers, have enlarged abdomens that are somewhat darker in color compared to the rest of the body. Before mating, queen pharaoh ants have wings which they shed after mating. Pharaoh ants are sometimes overlooked due to their small size and inconspicuous color, allowing them to infest structures. They establish nests in areas with moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and use plumbing pipes and electrical lines within walls to forage in other rooms.

The scientific name of thief ants is Solenopsis molesta. They are also known as “sugar ants” or “grease ants”. Workers are 1.5 mm in length (+/- 3 mm), while queens are 6 mm in length. They are yellow to light brown in color and have two nodes between the thorax and abdomen. Thief ants are commonly mistaken for pharaoh ants. An important distinguishing feature are the antennae that are comprised of 10 segments terminating in a 2-segmented club. Their name is derived from their habit of stealing resources and offspring from neighboring colonies. Thief ants forage long distances but are not attracted to sweets. They are resistant to conventional ant traps and to most insecticides. Colonies that establish within structures may be overlooked for a long period due to their small size and inconspicuous color. 

ANTS – Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns

Are you looking for help with ants? We’re here to help.

We’re happy to help where we can. Reach out to us for a quote on ant control, and remember we guarantee your satisfaction with our pest control services, or they are 100% free.

Check out our reviews from google below.

We Strive For 5 Star Reviews!

Leave us a Google Review!
Deanna Amirault
Deanna Amirault
2023-09-25
I had a wasp nest removed. Felix really knows his job and does it well! He was helpful answered all questions I had. I for sure will use this company in the future.
pham taqn kiet
pham taqn kiet
2023-09-24
Good service.
Nyx Gel
Nyx Gel
2023-09-24
The rental's yard, bushes, and fence line were effectively free of ants thanks to the outstanding service offered by Major Pest Control, which exceeded expectations in terms of value, quickness and on time.
Angeline Mariano
Angeline Mariano
2023-09-24
Excellent and flawless customer service was provided. Major Pest Control is a trustworthy pest control business that guarantees to address your issue, return to verify eradication, and offer a warranty as claimed.
Glenn Dwyer
Glenn Dwyer
2023-09-24
We had a severe infestation of Cockroaches here in a older home in Red Deer. We called and they sent Joel a very professional ,capable, and knowledgeable Pest Control Operator. He took time to explain thing's and after the second spray that we prepared more better for him this time to do his job correctly. It had a great affect on the Cockroaches...and there were very very many...infested, in everything..even the fridge...and it's a very good feeling now seeing just dead one's around, hardly any, compared to before the second spray. Thanks Major Pest Control and Thanks Joel for such an Expert Job and relief of this major problem .If needed, will definitely give you guys a call again for sure, Thanks a bunch!! Sincerely, Glenn Dwyer, very relieved now!!
Suzanne Cadieux
Suzanne Cadieux
2023-09-23
Amazing service. I woke up in the morning and had bite marks all over my body. I assumed it could be either mites, ticks, or bedbugs. I took my dog to a vet. I called Major Pest Control. Ray did the inspection and found bed bugs. He explained how to get rid of bed bugs. They sent us a technician that same day. Our technician came over right away and explained to me in detail what needed to be done. I am very happy with the results and completely trust Major pest control. They are very responsive, professional, helpful, and thorough. I highly recommend Major Pest Control.
Christian Maxwell
Christian Maxwell
2023-09-23
Jean was very friendly and got in every spot possible very great work done
Sue H (Suzy ESUA)
Sue H (Suzy ESUA)
2023-09-23
Friday, Sept 22, 2023 This is just a review of the initial consult with technician, Jojo, from Major Pest Control, out of their Edmonton office. He left five bait stations and found a major entry point in a hidden corner of the garage where mice chewed a sizable hole where it meets the main house. He has temporarily plugged it to see if any other entries will be identified btt he returns on Oct. 12th. When he returns he will permanently fill with printable caulking which we can paint in spring. Thank you Jojo. TC Sue H, Fort Sask, Ab
Eric Budd
Eric Budd
2023-09-22
Great service, on time and fast.
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 2034 reviews