Monday, December 26, 2022 by Greeny’s Pest Control Inc.
Ants are a common pest in Ontario, and they can be a nuisance in both residential and commercial settings. While they may seem small and insignificant, ants can cause serious damage to buildings and gardens, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they have established a colony. In this blog post, we'll discuss the types of ants that are commonly found in Ontario, the problems they can cause, and some tips for controlling and preventing ant infestations.
There are several types of ants that can be found in Ontario, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants. Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants found in the province, and they are known for their ability to burrow into wood. They are attracted to moist or rotting wood, and they can cause significant damage to structures if left unchecked. Pavement ants are another common type of ant in Ontario, and they get their name from the fact that they are often found in pavement or other hard surfaces. They are small and black or brown in color, and they are known for their ability to build nests in the soil under sidewalks or driveways. Odorous house ants are another type of ant that is commonly found in Ontario, and they get their name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell that they give off when crushed. These ants are small and brown or black in color, and they are attracted to sweet foods and liquids.
Ants can cause a variety of problems in both residential and commercial settings. In homes, they can be a nuisance as they search for food and water, and they can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and secretions. Ants can also cause damage to structures by burrowing into wood or other materials. In gardens and outdoor areas, ants can damage plants by feeding on their roots and leaves, and they can also attract other pests, such as aphids, which can further damage plants.
So, how can you control and prevent ant infestations in your home or business? There are several steps you can take to keep ants at bay. One of the most effective ways to prevent ant infestations is to keep food and surfaces clean and free of crumbs and spills. This will help to eliminate the food sources that ants are attracted to. Sealing cracks and crevices in your home or business can also help to prevent ants from entering. This can be done using caulk or other sealing materials. Using ant baits and traps can also be an effective way to control and eliminate ant infestations. These products can be placed around the perimeter of your home or business and can help to attract and kill ants.
There are also a number of natural methods that can be used to control and prevent ant infestations. Planting mint, basil, or other herbs around the perimeter of your home or garden can help to deter ants, as they do not like the smell of these plants. Using diatomaceous earth or other natural pest control products can also be effective in controlling ants. This material is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, and it works by drying out the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
In conclusion, ants are a common pest in Ontario, and they can cause a variety of problems in both residential and commercial settings. By keeping food and surfaces clean, sealing cracks and crevices, using ant baits and traps, and employing natural methods such as planting herbs or using diatomaceous earth, you can effectively control and prevent ant infestations in your home or business.