Ants are one of the most common household pests in Delta, British Columbia, especially during the warmer months. While some ant species are harmless, others can cause significant structural damage to your home or become a persistent nuisance in gardens and indoor spaces. By learning about the different types of ants found in Delta, you’ll be better equipped to handle an infestation before it becomes a bigger issue. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common ant species in the region and share some effective ant control tips.

1. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the most destructive ant species in Delta, BC. Unlike termites, these ants don’t consume wood; instead, they tunnel through it to create nests, which can lead to significant structural damage over time.

• Appearance: Carpenter ants are large, ranging from 6 to 12 mm in size, and are typically black or red.
• Habitat: They prefer damp, decaying wood and are often found in trees, wooden fences, or even within your home’s walls.
• Signs of Infestation: Look for sawdust-like debris near wood structures and listen for faint rustling noises within the walls.
• Prevention Tips: To keep carpenter ants away, store firewood away from your house, fix leaky pipes, and improve ventilation in damp areas like basements and attics.

2. Pavement Ants

As their name implies, pavement ants are commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and patios. While they mostly stay outdoors, they may enter homes in search of food, especially during the warmer seasons.

• Appearance: These ants are small, about 2.5 to 3 mm long, and are either brown or black.
• Habitat: Pavement ants typically build nests in the cracks of concrete or beneath stones, making them common in urban areas.
• Signs of Infestation: Look for small dirt mounds between pavement cracks or along the foundation of your home.
• Prevention Tips: Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation or concrete areas, and make sure to store food properly indoors to avoid attracting them.

 3.Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are well-known for the strong, coconut-like smell they release when crushed. These ants are common in homes throughout Delta and are frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Appearance: Odorous house ants are small, ranging from 2.4 to 3.3 mm in length, and are typically dark brown to black.
• Habitat: These ants prefer moist environments, often nesting under rocks, logs, or inside homes near water sources.
• Signs of Infestation: You may see trails of ants moving around food or water sources, particularly in kitchens or bathrooms.
• Prevention Tips: Keep food sealed in containers, wipe down counters regularly, and eliminate excess moisture in and around your home to prevent infestations.

4.Thatching Ants

Thatching ants are unique because they build large, visible mounds outdoors using small pieces of vegetation and soil. While they are less likely to enter homes, they can become a nuisance in lawns and gardens.

• Appearance: These ants are medium-sized, measuring about 4 to 6 mm long, and are red and black in color.
• Habitat: Thatching ants build their mounds in open, sunny areas such as fields, parks, and gardens.
• Signs of Infestation: Look for visible mounds of soil and plant debris.
• Prevention Tips: Avoid disturbing ant mounds and consider hiring a professional pest control service if the mounds become problematic.

5.Pharaoh Ants

Though small in size, Pharaoh ants can be highly problematic. They are known for spreading bacteria and can infest homes, hospitals, and commercial buildings, posing health risks.

• Appearance: These ants are light yellow to reddish-brown and are about 2 mm in size.
• Habitat: Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid environments and often nest in wall voids, baseboards, or behind appliances.
• Signs of Infestation: Small, slow-moving ants are usually found near water sources like sinks, bathtubs, or kitchen counters.
• Prevention Tips: To prevent Pharaoh ants, eliminate moisture sources, seal cracks in your walls, and clean up food spills promptly.

Why Ant Control Matters in Delta, BC

Ant infestations can cause significant damage to your property and even pose health risks. For example, Carpenter ants can weaken the foundation of your home by burrowing through wood, while Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria. Identifying the type of ant infestation you have is critical for taking effective action to prevent property damage and protect your family’s health.

When to Call a Professional for Ant Control

While DIY solutions might be sufficient for minor ant infestations, larger infestations often require professional intervention. MetroVan Pest Control specializes in ant control services in Delta, BC, offering eco-friendly solutions that are safe for your home and the environment. Whether you’re dealing with Carpenter ants, Odorous house ants, or Pharaoh ants, our team of experts will ensure your home is ant-free.

Key Takeaways:

• Regular inspections and preventive measures can help you avoid major ant infestations.
• The most common ant species in Delta include Carpenter ants, Pavement ants, and Odorous house ants.
• For severe infestations, contact a professional pest control service to ensure effective removal.

For expert ant control in Delta, British Columbia, contact MetroVan Pest Control today. Our eco-friendly solutions will help keep your home and garden ant-free year-round.