Ant infestations are marked by visible trails of worker ants, especially near food sources. Carpenter ants leave frass piles resembling sawdust, while odorous house ants produce a distinct odor when crushed. Nesting sites may include wall voids, under floors, or outdoor soil mounds. Indoor foraging increases during warmer months.
To keep ants out:
-Seal cracks in foundations, windows, and doors with silicone caulk.
-Wipe countertops, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers.
-Fix leaky pipes and reduce indoor humidity to deter carpenter ants.
-Clean pet bowls and remove spills immediately.
-Trim tree branches and shrubs away from structures.
-Dispose of garbage regularly and secure outdoor compost bins.
Maintain strict sanitation by cleaning and removing food residues and sealing pantry items. Eliminate standing water and repair moisture-prone areas to deter carpenter ants. Regularly inspect foundations and exterior landscaping for nests that form bridges into the property. Use weather stripping on doors and windows to block entry.
Apply bait gels or stations near trails to target entire colonies. For carpenter ants, locate and treat nests directly with insecticides. Non-repellent sprays disrupt foraging patterns. Severe infestations require a tailored treatment plan provided by an Aetna technician.
See below to learn more about Ants in Ontario, including available treatment options and prevention.
Common species include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, pharaoh ants, and acrobat ants.
Look for trails, frass piles, or nests in walls or soil. Winged swarmers indoors indicate mature colonies.
Food crumbs or wastes, sugary spills, pet food, uncleaned grease, and moisture. Clutter and unsealed entry points also invite infestations.
Yes. Ants overwinter indoors, nesting in warm areas like wall voids. Outdoor colonies become dormant but resurge in spring.
For carpenter ants or large colonies, yes. DIY methods often fail to eliminate queens, leading to recurring issues.
Yes, landscaping choices significantly influence ant infestations by providing or removing food sources, nesting sites, and easy access to structures that leads further into the property.
