Discover proven DIY and professional solutions to get rid of ants in your home. Learn what attracts ants, how to stop them, and keep them away for good.

Why Ants Invade Calgary Homes

Calgary has been experiencing an ant problem for quite a while now, which is now resulting in an ant invasion in people’s homes. An ant invasion infestation in a place like Calgary can be due to a number of factors.  The first is environmental. Since Calgary is situated near nature bound areas, the city as a whole has easy excess to ants. Moreover, because of Calgary’s weather situation, it is an easy target for ants, because since they are most active during spring to summer, they roam around looking for shelter and food. They mostly infest houses in hopes of easy access to food and water and a shelter.

How to Identify an Ant Infestation 

One way to spot an ant infestation as a resident in Calgary is by keeping an eye out for live ants, i.e., a group of them. While seeing one or two ants every other day can be a normal thing, you should take action when you start seeing them in groups of ten or more almost regularly. Secondly, you should try and look out for ant nests because they are a giveaway sign you have an infestation in your house. These nests can be in wall void or under a carpet, or other similar enclosed, dark spaces. You may also be see flying ants or swarmers near lights or near your windows, which could be a sign of an infestation in your house. 

Furthermore, you need to observe the behavior of your pets. They often notice things before humans do, and might notice the growing population of ants before you are able to. What you need to do in such cases are watch out for them sniffing at wallboards, following an ‘invisible’ trail, etc.

Common Ant Species in Calgary

In Calgary, you are most likely to find these ants: 

Pavement ants, which are most commonly found indoors, such as in kitchens or bathrooms. One way to spot them is their appearance, since they are black and brownish in colour and can be seen forming rows. They enter through the tiny entrances and can be extremely bothersome. They can be controlled, however, by sealing exits and setting bait traps for them. 

Carpenter Ants: These are big, black or dark red ants. They are one of the most bothersome group of ants because they decrease the structural integrity of the house, which is often how they allow themselves in. Once spotted, it is a good idea to get professional help.

Pharaoh Ants: These are small ants with light yellow to red with a darker lower body. These are often found in humid or warm places, such as hospitals and apartment buildings, and can be hard to get rid of. For these, a non-repellent bait would be your best ant bait; be sure not to use a spray as it will invite more ants. 

Odorous House Ants: These are medium sized black to brown coloured creatures and are often found in windows or near water supplies (your sink). The best way to get rid of these ants would be to eliminate moisture and to seal any openings in walls or others exits. 

Field Ants: These ants can be identified through their appearances too, since they are average in size in, and black/brown and reddish in colour. They don’t usually enter homes since they prefer to stay outside in the fields. You can further decrease their chances of entering your house by eliminating all sources of shelter for them near your entrance, like any plants and vegetation, etc. 

Proven Ways to Get Rid of Aunts

An effective way to get rid of ants is by using Terro Liquid Ant Bait as an ant bait. However, if you are looking to do something yourself, you can mix one teaspoon borax with three teaspoons sugar plus some drops of water. This serves as an excellent ant bait. Moreover, you can mix vinegar with water and then clean your surfaces, entry points, etc.,  following it with soapy water.  

DIY Ant Control Methods

Apart from the effective vinegar solution technique, there are loads of other home remedies for ants you can follow. The first is to seal any openings you might have in your walls, windows, pies, etc. Secondly, always clean after yourself after eating so you don’t leave behind any crumbs for the ants to come after. Plus, store your food in airtight containers and deprive them of their water supply. Furthermore, if you do find ants increasing in your house, never use a spray first, since it will have the opposite of your desired effect. 

Additionally, instead of using store bought sprays, use homemade ones. Mix peppermint oil with water and spray on the ants, or leave cinnamon or cloves where you often finds ants. 

When To Call Professional Ant Control:

If you continue to see large group of ants despite taking all the actions above, there is a good chance that the colony of ants is bigger than you thought. Moreover, if you see them coming from inside your walls, or hear something inside of them, it’s time to call for professional help. A professional might be able to spot where exactly the colony of ants is, especially if they are inside your walls, which you won’t be able to do.

Preventing Future Ant Infestations:

In order to prevent an ant infestation living in Calgary, it’s a good idea to wipe your counters and other surfaces to ensure they are clean and dry. You can seal your exits and any other openings or cracks you might come across to eliminate their entrance. Moreover, get rid of anything that might provide them a shelter, whether it’s inside or outside your house, such as plants, firewood, leaves, etc. 

Book Your Ant Inspection Today:

Worried your house be developing an infestation too? Book your appointment with us now and get your house checked out!