The ant
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Although these insects may seem harmless, the reality can be very different. Attempting to eliminate an infestation on your own is not only risky, it can also be unsuccessful. Ant control must begin with an inspection, as the situation can vary greatly from one property to another. The purpose of an inspection is to identify the following ant speciesWe can then determine the likelihood of a nest being present in the building's structure, and propose solutions to your problem.
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Read this information carefully to properly identify an ant problem in your space.
Scientific name
Formicidae
Common name
Ant
Diet
Omnivore
Classification
Insect of the order Hymenoptera
Living environment
Anthill
Size
0,75 to 5 mm
Weight
1 to 150 mg
Life expectancy
From a few months to 15 years for queens depending on the species
Reproduction
Lay several dozen eggs daily
The ants in Quebec
In Quebec, there are more than a hundred species of ants in the entire province. However, the most invasive ants we need to watch out for and those that usually require treatment are:
Pavement ants
The pavement ant gets its name from its preferred nesting sites. Loving being mostly under pavement or concrete, where small bubbles form in the cracks, Pavement ants also occasionally nest in walls, under foundations and in building insulation. This species may not be native to Quebec, but it has adapted very well to our climate!
Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants get their name from the fact that they burrow into wood in order to enlarge their nests. Indeed, carpenter ants do not eat the dug wood since they only work to increase the expansion of the colony. This habit sometimes causes structural damage to buildings. Carpenter ants often represent a great challenge for professionals working in extermination.
Black field ants
Due to their black coloration and relatively large size, black ants are sometimes confused with carpenter ants. This species of ant also nests in the ground of grassy areas, often creating small mounds of dirt across the yard.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are among the smallest species of ants in Montreal. These species cannot survive the cold winter, so most of their nests can be found indoors. Pharaoh ant colonies have multiple nests, as well as multiple queens. Colonies mature quickly and can reach several hundred thousand ants. A pharaoh ant problem begins as soon as they enter a building through foodstuffs or various objects. The extermination of pharaoh ants is usually accomplished by a professional.
Field ants in Quebec
There are several species of field ants in Quebec. They often nest in lawns, under rocks or pavement, and around building foundations. Populations of this species can reach very large numbers in a very short time and are sometimes very difficult to eradicate. This is why it is strongly advised to call an exterminator when you are confronted with this type of ant.
How to detect a situation requiring the extermination of ants
You may be wondering if there is an ant infestation in your home. Even, you may be hesitant whether you should worry about it or not. If this is your case, you can use the following information to help you be sure:
What should you do if you only see one or two ants?
You only see one or a few ants, mostly on the edge of a counter or window. This case is usually worker ants looking for food for their colony. As a rule, this happens more specifically in the warm season. So, just kill the visible ants, stay alert and watchful of the aftermath to avoid a proliferation.
Large number of ants: how to react and control the infestation?
You see a large number of ants in a room. Ants can form single file, climb a bedroom wall or cross the kitchen floor. Ants are notably present on a continuous basis, even during the cold season. In general, it is a lesser infestation that you can either try to control yourself with various tricks. You can also contact professionals who will take care of exterminating ants.
Presence of winged ants and an indoor nest
You can see winged adults emerging through cracks in your home, even through the walls or ceiling. Often, these ants then try to get out through a window. Generally, when we see winged ants, there is a strong possibility of a nest and a colony. Unfortunately, they must be well installed inside your home.
Consult "10 Natural Tips to Get Rid of Ants”