Ant Control

Professional Ant Treatments for Homes and Businesses

Ants are one of the most persistent insect problems in Ontario. While they may start as a few on the counter or around the driveway, they can quickly grow into full infestations. Whether you're dealing with ants in the kitchen, on the foundation, or trailing through basements and bathrooms, Mitchell’s Nuisance Wildlife Solutions offers targeted solutions to eliminate ants at the source.

Common Ant Species We Handle

We deal with several types of nuisance ants, each requiring a slightly different control approach. Below are the three most common species we encounter:

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species in Ontario. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood — but they do hollow it out to create their nests. Over time, this can lead to structural damage in homes, sheds, and garages. These ants are most active at night and may go unnoticed until the infestation becomes severe.

Most Active:

  • Spring through fall (April to October)

  • Peak indoor sightings often occur in late spring and summer

Where They Nest:

  • Inside wall voids, window frames, or damp wood

  • Behind siding, under decks, or in rooflines

  • In firewood piles, logs, and tree stumps

Identification Features:

  • Large ants (6–13 mm or more)

  • Usually black, but may appear reddish or bi-coloured

  • May have wings during mating season (winged reproductives)

  • Often found trailing at night or near water sources indoors

Our Treatment:
We use targeted gel baits, dusts, or sprays depending on nest location and activity level. Treatments focus on both indoor and outdoor areas. We also provide recommendations on sealing gaps and removing moisture sources.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are small, brown to black ants that commonly nest in cracks in driveways, patios, and foundations. They frequently enter homes in search of food, especially sugary or greasy substances. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can contaminate surfaces and become a recurring nuisance.

Most Active:

  • Late spring through summer (May to August)

  • Often seen during warmer stretches in early spring

Where They Nest:

  • Cracks in driveways, sidewalks, or patios

  • Along foundations or basement walls

  • Under stones, wood piles, or concrete slabs

Identification Features:

  • Small (2.5–4 mm)

  • Dark brown to black with lighter legs

  • Trails follow cracks or baseboards

  • Often swarm in small numbers indoors

Our Treatment:
We apply professional-grade perimeter sprays and bait placements near nest zones and entry points. Interior treatments may be used if activity is high. Long-term success includes sealing cracks and trimming vegetation along the home.

Pharaoh Ants (Less Common, But Problematic)

Pharaoh ants are tiny, pale yellow ants that are difficult to eliminate once established indoors. They tend to nest in hidden wall voids and split into multiple colonies when disturbed, making DIY efforts ineffective or even counterproductive. These ants are more common in multi-unit housing or commercial buildings.

Most Active:

  • Year-round indoors — thrive in warm, humid environments

Where They Nest:

  • Wall voids, electrical outlets, and baseboards

  • Kitchens, bathrooms, or near hot water pipes

  • Hospitals, restaurants, apartments, and large buildings

Identification Features:

  • Tiny (1.5–2 mm)

  • Pale yellow to reddish with darker abdomen

  • Trail in large numbers to food sources

  • Not typically found outdoors in Ontario

Our Treatment:
We use non-repellent baits that allow for colony-wide elimination without causing the ants to scatter and form new nests. Spot sprays are avoided to prevent colony splitting.