🐜 Ants in Canada: Identification, Risks, and How to Get Rid of Them

What Are Ants?

Ants are small insects commonly found across Canada. They can be black, brown, red, or yellow, and adult ants range in size from just 1 mm (1/32 inch)—like thief ants and little black ants—to up to 13 mm (1/2 inch), such as carpenter ants.

Should You Be Concerned About Ants?

While most ants in Canada are not aggressive, some species can sting. In the garden, ants are often beneficial, feeding on pests like young moths and silverfish. However, when ants enter your home, they can become a serious nuisance—especially species like:

• Carpenter ants (can damage wood structures)
  
  

• Pharaoh ants
  
  

• Thief ants
  
  

• Little black ants
  
  

• Odorous house ants
  
  

• Pavement ants
  
  

If you notice piles of sawdust, you may have a carpenter ant infestation, which can lead to structural damage in your home.

🛑 How to Prevent and Get Rid of Ants

✅ Ant Prevention Tips

Ants send out scouts to find food, especially sugary or greasy items like peanut butter, crumbs, and pet food. Here's how to make your home less attractive:

• Store food in sealed glass or tight-lid plastic containers
  
  

• Clean countertops and vacuum regularly, especially near pet dishes
  
  

• Rinse containers before placing them in the garbage or recycling
  
  

• Empty trash and compost bins frequently
  
  

• Keep composters away from your home
  
  

• Place pet dishes in shallow water trays (ants can’t swim!)
  
  

🔧 Physical Ant Control

• Seal cracks in foundations and exterior walls
  
  

• Caulk baseboards and crevices inside your home
  
  

• Use sticky barriers like double-sided tape around plant stands
  
  

• Flood ant nests outdoors with water to drive them away
  
  

• Boiling water + detergent can temporarily reduce colony size
  
  

🌿 Natural & Non-Chemical Ant Control

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): A natural powder that dehydrates ants. Place it in cracks and dry areas. Safe for pets and humans, but avoid breathing in the dust.
  
  

• Natural gum resins: Use around base of trees and vines to deter ants naturally.
  
  

⚠️ Important: Using Pesticides Safely

If using pesticides to eliminate ants:

• Always read the product label
  
  

• Look for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number (approved by Health Canada)
  
  

• Follow application directions and safety warnings
  
  

• Check local pesticide use regulations, as some areas in Canada restrict certain products
  
  

💣 Chemical Ant Control Methods

• Sprays and dusts can eliminate nests and create protective barriers
  
  

• Apply treatments directly to anthills or nest openings
  
  

• For indoor infestations, apply dust into wall voids or cracks
  
  

• Use barrier sprays along baseboards, door frames, and windows
  
  

• Be cautious: chemical sprays can cause colonies to split and worsen the problem
  
  

🍽️ Ant Bait Systems: A Highly Effective Solution

Bait systems are one of the most reliable ant control methods because ants bring poisoned bait back to the colony.

• Use boric acid baits (low toxicity to pets and humans)
  
  

• Place bait stations along ant trails (e.g., baseboards, corners, under cabinets)
  
  

• Use multiple bait stations and offer two types of bait for better results
  
  

• Leave baits in place for at least two weeks
  
  

• Do not use sprays while baiting—sprays disrupt the bait's effectiveness
  
  

🏠 Final Tips for Long-Term Ant Control

• Practice consistent cleaning
  
  

• Seal up entry points
  
  

• Monitor and remove outdoor nests
  
  

• Use a combination of natural, physical, and bait methods for best results
  
  

Need professional help? Contact a certified pest control expert to safely remove stubborn ant infestations and protect your home year-round.

More information

DIY Pest Control for Ants | Safe & Effective Home Remedies to Eliminate Ants