Ants, those tiny creatures, are not just a nuisance but also a potential threat to your home. They are among the most common household pests, adept at infiltrating spaces where they are unwelcome. While it’s not uncommon to spot hills in your backyard or front lawn, it’s a different story when they start making your home their own. This is a serious issue, indicating that they have likely been tunnelling into the structure of your house.
Common Ant Species in Alberta
According to the City of Edmonton, the most common types of ants you are likely to encounter in Alberta are:
Pharoah Ants
This specific type of ant is among the most villainous pests people in Alberta encounter. They are extremely hard to get rid of because their colonies can consist of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of them, and if you bug their nest, they will split it up and make more. For this reason, it is imperative to consult your local pest control experts for proper identification and extermination.
Field Ants
These insects are usually a tad larger than Pharoah Ants and are the usual suspects when you see those notorious hills outside. Did you know the hills they create can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide? This makes quite an eyesore to the landscaping around your home and emphasizes the importance of removing them from your property.
Carpenter Ants
These should be truly feared by homeowners, as they can cause immense structural damage to your house since they make their nests within wood. They prefer wood that has gotten wet or damaged by moisture, so you should look for carpenter ants after you get a leak within your home.
Ant Removal and Prevention
Typically, over-the-counter control methods will work for killing a decent amount of of those pests, but if you suspect you have an ant infestation, it’s best to call your local certified pest control company since they will have the skills and tools to correctly identify the species and the proper way to get rid of them on your property, ensuring the structural integrity of your house and the sanctity of your property landscaping.