Kelowna and Central Okanagan
Vernon and North Okanagan
Penticton and South Okanagan
Professional Ant Exterminator in Kelowna, Penticton & Vernon
At Bugman Pest Control, we understand how troublesome an ant infestation in your home can be. Ants can carry diseases that put you and your family's health at risk and cause structural damage to your property. We offer quick and efficient ant extermination services in Kelowna, Penticton & Vernon. Our licensed technicians have the equipment and experience to eliminate the infestation in your home.
Get in touch with us today to schedule an inspection and professional extermination services for ants and carpenter ant infestations.
Types of Ants Found in the Okanagan
The Okanagan region is home to a variety of ants, each with unique characteristics. These ants can invade your home and damage it in different ways. Some common ants found in this area are:
Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants are the largest of the native ant types and can grow up to 2 cm in size. They like to reside in moist wood, although they don’t actually eat it. They are referred to as social insects and can excavate galleries for their nesting areas. Read our blog to learn more about carpenter ants.
Odorous house ants / sugar ants: Odorous house ants are dark red or black and release an odour that is like rotten coconuts. Although they make their nests outdoors, they will enter your home if given a chance. These little brown ants vary in size from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch long. Odorous house ants do not cause any health risks as such, but they can contaminate food and should be eliminated. Read more about sugar ants here.
Pavement ants: As the name suggests, these reddish-brown ants are generally found outdoors under sidewalks, flat stones, concrete slabs, and alongside curbing or pavements, but can infiltrate other areas. They have a large appetite and can eat almost anything, which is why they invade houses and workplaces in search of food.
Pharaoh ants: These yellowish or light brown ants seek out warm indoor spaces with high humidity. The pharaoh ant is tiny compared to the other ant species, measuring from 1 to 2 mm in size. Their colonies expand with great speed, and they can spread salmonellosis and dysentery.
Thatcher ants: Thatcher ants are large in size and are red and black. They get their name from the nests they create, which are massive mounds that appear to be thatched.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Ants are common insects that can sneak into your home from areas such as windows, broken doors and foundations. Some common signs of an ant infestation in your home are:
Colony of ants: If you've noticed an ant colony in your home, or your yard, you should deal with it immediately.
Rustling noises: Carpenter ants live in wood and are active at night. While nesting in your wooden structures, they make rustling noises that are easy to detect.
Wooden shavings: When working in the wood in your home, carpenter ants will leave behind a trail of wooden shavings.
A carpenter ant can cause extensive damage to your home's foundation. If you have a carpenter ant infestation on your property, call us now.
What Attracts Ants?
Ants are always on the lookout for food and water. Unlike certain domestic pests that are drawn to humans by sensing body temperature or CO2 in the air, ants will search for food or debris left behind by humans. Ants are drawn to moist areas or areas where there is stagnant water in your home. They are often attracted to sugary or sweet-smelling foods. They are also attracted to pet food and bread.
Dangers of an Infestation
While a few ants on your property are normal, an infestation poses a threat to your home. Ants carry a variety of diseases and can contaminate your food. In addition to that, species such as carpenter ants can cause structural damage to your property.
Carpenter ants build their nests in hollow regions and damp wood starts to degrade. Rather than eating the wood, these ants burrow through it, causing damage. Identifying if you have a carpenter ant invasion is more challenging because most of the damage they cause is buried in walls, doors and windows, decks, porches, as well as other wood surfaces.
There are also a variety of different species that will eagerly shred your insulation to build a suitable nest. Follow where the ant tracks lead - this could lead you right to the source, or at the very least give you possible access sites surrounding your property.
Contact the professionals at The Bugman Pest Control to deal with an infestation before it spreads.
Ant Removal Process
The species of ant and the area of the infestation, both indoors and outdoors, will determine the effectiveness of ant treatment procedures. To properly eliminate ants from your home, our ant exterminators in Kelowna use Integrated pest management (IPM) methods. IPM involves knowing about the pests residing in your home to select the best and safest control options. It emphasizes pest prevention and elimination using non-chemical treatments if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Exterminator Get Rid of Ants?
Yes. DIY ant traps or homemade ant killers are not as effective as our professional solutions. An ant exterminator has the tools and methods to deal with an infestation and get rid of ants.
How Much Will It Cost to Eliminate Ants?
It depends on the type of ants, the amount of infestation, the space covered, and the problem's extent. We can inspect your property and give you an estimate. Contact us for a quote.
How Can I Prevent Ants from Entering My Home?
Follow some of these tips to prevent an ant infestation at home:
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Seal all entry points from where tiny ants can invade your home. If you find any cracks or gaps, close them immediately.
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Clean up after eating and wipe any mess on the tables and kitchen counters.
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Store snacks and food in airtight containers, especially sugary food items.
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Clean pet bowls immediately after your pet has finished eating.
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Maintain outdoor areas by trimming bushes and sealing any cracks.
Contact Us for Ant Removal in Kelowna
If you suspect you have an ant infestation in your home, speak to our Kelowna ant exterminators today to schedule an inspection and removal services.
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