Common Ant Species in the GTA

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): Large (6–13mm), typically black. They do not eat wood — they excavate galleries inside moist or softened wood to nest. Their presence indoors often signals a moisture problem. Winged reproductive carpenter ants emerging indoors in spring or winter strongly indicate an established indoor nest.

Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum): Small (2.5–4mm), dark brown. Named for nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. The most common ant species entering GTA homes through foundation cracks and utility gaps.

Odorous House Ants: Small (2–3mm), dark brown. Emit a rotten coconut odour when crushed. Nest in wall voids, under flooring, and in exterior mulch. Highly adaptable and persistent.

Pharaoh Ants: Tiny (1.5–2mm), pale yellow. A serious pest in multi-unit buildings. Colonies split when disturbed — improper treatment with consumer sprays makes the problem significantly worse.

Why Ant Infestations Are a Serious Problem

Carpenter ant structural damage: Over months and years, carpenter ants excavate extensive galleries through structural wood — floor joists, window and door frames, wall studs, deck timbers. Damage accumulates silently and is often discovered only during renovation. A mature colony can contain 10,000+ workers across parent and satellite nests.

Food contamination and health: Pavement ants and odorous house ants contaminate food preparation surfaces. Pharaoh ants in healthcare settings and commercial kitchens are capable of transmitting Salmonella and Streptococcus.

Why DIY Ant Control Almost Always Fails

Spraying visible ants does not kill the colony. Foragers represent only 10–20% of the colony. Killing them leaves the queen and brood fully intact — replaced within days.
Repellent consumer sprays cause colony splitting. Ants scatter and establish new satellite nests — making the problem worse and harder to treat professionally afterward.
Pharaoh ants cannot be treated with consumer sprays without triggering budding — the colony splits into dozens of new colonies throughout the building. This species requires specialist knowledge and specific professional products only.
Without finding the nest, results are temporary. Especially with carpenter ants, treating foragers without locating the parent nest produces only short-term reduction.

How AstraHive Treats Ant Infestations — Step by Step

Species ID and inspection — we identify the species, locate all active trails and likely nest locations inside and outside, and identify conducive conditions (moisture, wood-soil contact, entry points).
Exterior perimeter treatment — residual barrier applied around the entire foundation perimeter, killing foragers on contact and protecting against new ants entering.
Interior targeted treatment — crack-and-crevice application and/or gel bait inside the home based on species and location.
Bait application — for carpenter ants and certain species, slow-acting bait is carried back to the colony and shared with the queen and larvae, eliminating the entire colony over time.
Carpenter ant void treatment — where accessible, insecticidal dust applied directly into carpenter ant galleries through small access points.
Recommendations — moisture repairs, wood-soil contact points, mulch management, and exclusion measures to prevent re-infestation.

What to Expect After Treatment

For most common species, visible activity decreases significantly within 3–7 days.
Bait treatments may show an initial increase in ant activity for 2–4 days as workers are attracted to the bait — this is a sign the treatment is working. Do not spray over bait stations.
Carpenter ant activity may take 2–4 weeks to fully decline as bait reaches the queen and colony.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ant control cost in the GTA?

Ant control typically ranges $150–$350 depending on species, severity, and property size. Carpenter ant treatments involving nest location or multiple visits are at the higher end. Call 905-925-8427 for a free consultation.

Do I have carpenter ants or termites?

Carpenter ants leave coarse sawdust-like frass containing insect parts. Termites leave irregular, dirt-filled tunnels and produce soft, hollowed wood. Ontario does not have established termite populations in most GTA areas. If you are unsure, call us — we will identify exactly what you have.

Why do I suddenly have ants in spring?

Ant colonies overwinter in a dormant state and resume foraging as temperatures warm in April and May. Ants emerging indoors in mid-winter strongly suggest an established indoor nest rather than ants coming from outside.

Are your treatments safe for children and pets?

Yes. We use targeted application methods — treating cracks, crevices, and entry points. All products are Health Canada registered. Gel baits are placed in locations inaccessible to children and pets.

How do I stop ants from coming back?

Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation and utility penetrations, eliminate wood-soil contact, repair moisture issues, keep mulch and vegetation away from the foundation, and store food in sealed containers. We provide specific recommendations for your property.

Ant Control GTA — Carpenter Ant & All Species | AstraHive