Ants in the house: what to do?
Have you noticed a small army of ants roaming your kitchen or bathroom? Although tiny, ants in the house can quickly become a real nightmare. In addition to being invasive, some species, such as carpenter ants, can damage the structures of your home, while others, such as pharaoh ants, pose a real risk to your health. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to control this infestation and regain your peace of mind.
Why do I have ants in my house?
Ants generally enter homes in search of food, water, or shelter. Crumbs, sugary residue, pet food, or even moisture in the walls can attract them. Once they find an attractive source, they signal it to their colony with traces of pheromones—which explains why you can go from a single ant to dozens in a matter of hours.
Among the most common ant species seen in Quebec are:
- Pavement ant: Common around foundations, but also in kitchens.
- Carpenter ant: Can burrow into wood and cause structural damage.
- Black ant: Which measures 4 to 6 mm long and has a very shiny black body.
- Brown ant: Blackish-brown in color, can measure up to 1 cm long.
- Pharaoh ant: Small but difficult to eradicate without professional help.
Actions to adopt at the first signs
As soon as you notice ants in your house, here are some actions to take:
- Clean thoroughly: Eliminate all food sources, clean counters, floors, and cabinets, and take out the trash regularly.
- Seal access points: Inspect windows, baseboards, cracks in walls, or foundations, and seal potential entry points.
- Eliminate sources of moisture: Ants love humid places. Repair leaks, ventilate rooms well, and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Use bait: Gel or pellet baits are more effective than spray insecticides because they can poison the entire colony.
But be careful! If the infestation is significant or if you are dealing with carpenter ants, these methods may not be enough.
Why call an exterminator?
If ants in your house persist despite your efforts, it’s time to call a professional. At Central Extermination, we offer fast, discreet, and safe service to solve the problem at the source.
Our experts carry out a complete inspection of your property to identify:
- The species of ants involved
- The location of the nests
- The entry points
- The conditions favoring their presence
We use proven and safe methods that respect your environment and your family’s health. Whether through specialized baits, targeted treatments, or prevention advice, our team ensures the sustainable elimination of the colony.
Preventing the return of ants inside your home
Once the problem is resolved, here are some tips to prevent their return:
- Keep surfaces clean and food neatly stored.
- Repair any water or moisture infiltration.
- Trim tree branches that touch the house.
- Store pet food in airtight containers.
Ants in the house? Act quickly!
Don’t let a small infestation become a big problem. Trust Central Extermination for fast and efficient intervention. We offer extermination services in Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore.
