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Insects · Pest library
Ant control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
Ants are one of the most common pest problems in Ontario homes each spring. A few scouts in the kitchen usually means a colony nearby, inside a wall, under a slab or in damp wood.
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How to identify ants
Three kinds of ant account for most calls. Knowing which one you have changes how we treat it.
Carpenter ants
Large (6–13 mm) and black. They hollow out damp or damaged wood to nest, but don't eat it.
Pavement ants
Small (about 3 mm) and dark brown. They nest under sidewalks and slabs and trail inside for food.
Odorous house ants
Small (about 3 mm) and dark brown. They give off a rotten-coconut smell when crushed.
Signs to look for
- Trails of ants along baseboards, counters or window sills
- Small piles of sawdust-like debris under wood trim, a carpenter ant sign
- Winged ants indoors in spring, which can mean a nest inside
- Faint rustling inside walls in a quiet room
Why ants come inside
What draws them in
Ants come in for food, water and shelter. Sweet or greasy spills, pet food and moisture from leaks draw them in through gaps around doors, windows and utility lines.
Health and home risks
Ants contaminate food and surfaces. Carpenter ants can weaken structural wood over time, especially where there's an ongoing moisture problem.
How we handle ants
Track the trail
We follow the ants back to the nest or entry point instead of treating the ones you see.
Target the colony
Baits and treatments placed where ants travel, so workers carry them back to the colony.
Treat the perimeter
An exterior barrier around the foundation to stop new ants coming in.
Check moisture and wood
For carpenter ants, we note damp or damaged wood that needs repair.
Keep them out
Seasonal visits stop new colonies before they move in.
Prevention tips
- Wipe counters and sweep floors daily
- Store sweets and pet food in sealed containers
- Fix leaky taps and pipes, and keep gutters clear
- Trim branches and shrubs back from the house
- Seal gaps around doors, windows and utility lines
- Keep firewood away from the foundation
Common questions about ants
Do carpenter ants eat wood?
No. They chew through damp or damaged wood to make nests, pushing out sawdust-like debris. Over time this can weaken wood, so it's worth treating early.
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray?
Store-bought sprays kill the ants you see, but the colony and queen survive. Our treatments target the colony itself.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.