ANTS

Ants are among the most common pests, not just in Canada but worldwide. With over 12,000 identified species—and estimates suggesting there could be as many as 20,000 species—it’s clear that ants come in an incredible variety. While the total number of ants is a mystery, it's believed there are roughly 20 quadrillion. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that ants are such a frequent nuisance in households!

Is it common to have an ant infestation in Canada?

Yes, ant infestations are fairly common in Canada. Of the approximately 130 ant species found in the country, only a portion nest indoors. However, many are still known to invade homes in search of food and shelter. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), approximately 20% of Canadian households have reported ant infestations.

How to get rid of ants?

If you notice ants in or around your home, it's time to call in the pest control experts! Rural Routes Pest Control can help control the ant activity you're experiencing.

for more information about our ant control services.

How to identify ants

Ants can look pretty similar from a distance, and taking a closer look reveals the physical features that set their species apart.

Ants have 5 main identifiable features

Colour
Antenna
Head
Thorax
Abdomen

ant anatomy

Ants range in colour from black, dark brown, red, yellow, or beige. One key feature that helps distinguish species apart is their petioles (nodes), which connect the thorax to the abdomen—some species have one node, while others have two. Ants are generally small and can measure from 2 to 25 mm in length. All ants have six legs, and while most are wingless, some will develop Some species of ants will have stingers that they are able to use, and others may have no stinger at all.

wings during their nuptial flight.

How do ants behave?

Ants are highly organized and work together with remarkable coordination, functioning as a superorganism. Each ant has a specific role that is essential to the colony’s survival. Some are foragers, others care for the eggs and larvae, while others defend the nest. They rely on constant communication to keep everything running smoothly, which is especially crucial in colonies that can range from hundreds to millions of ants. So, if you spot a single ant in or around your home, chances are it’s not alone - there’s likely a colony nearby.

what are the roles ants have in a colony?

What are flying ants?

Flying ants are not a separate species but rather a temporary stage in an ant's life cycle. Ants develop wings when it's time to reproduce and establish new colonies. During this phase, female ants mate and then search for a suitable location to build a nest. Once she finds the right spot, she assumes her role as queen, begins laying eggs, and sheds her wings to remain in the nest permanently. Meanwhile, the male ants, known as drones, fulfill their sole purpose of mating and die shortly afterward. If you notice flying ants in your home, it’s a strong sign that a well-established colony is nearby. Their presence indicates the colony has grown large enough to send out reproductive ants in search of new nesting sites—something homeowners should take seriously.

what ARE THE MOST COMMON ANTS IN ONTARIO?

In Ontario, the most commonly encountered household ants include carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants. While some are simply a nuisance, others—like carpenter ants—can cause significant structural damage. You can learn more about the different ant species found in Ontario, some of which are more prevalent than others!