Common Pests

Since 2000, CARE Pest & Wildlife Control has provided specialized treatments based on a wide-range of common pest problems. Recognizing the difference between one species of ant and another, for example, can make a profound impact on how we solve your problem. Our professionals can help you identify what common pest you may have.

There are various types of ants found throughout the Lower Mainland. Listed below are some of the most common ants found in Vancouver. The three most common are Carpenter Ants, Pharaoh Ants, and Pavement Ants. If you are unsure which type you have, Contact CARE Pest for an ant control solution today.

• Carpenter Ants

  

  Carpenter Ants are a structurally wood-boring insect found in and around homes where there might be an abundance of trees, foliage, stored firewood, old trees, stumps or wet wood.
  Carpenter Ant Nests have been found behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks, showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic beams, and under subfloor insulation; and in hollow spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall voids. Carpenter Ants may also nest in foam insulation. Carpenter ants are 1/4" to 3/4" in length, and are usually black in colour. "Big and black" are the two common most terms homeowners use to describe Carpenter Ants.
  

• Carpenter Ants

  In the home, people may notice signs of damage by seeing actual holes in wood, especially structural posts or beams or by seeing a sawdust-like material. Carpenter ants damage wood by excavating and creating galleries and tunnels. The damage Carpenter Ants cause to wood structures is variable. The longer a colony is present in a structure, the greater the damage that can be done. If structural wood is weakened, Carpenter ant damage can be severe. An important method for preventing indoor carpenter ant problems is to eliminate high moisture conditions that are attractive to them. Also, replace any moisture-damaged wood. Be careful that wood or lumber that is stored in a garage or near the house is kept dry and, if possible, elevated to allow air circulation.
  In order to eliminate indoor Carpenter Ant nests, you need to locate and destroy their nest. To locatethe nest, carefully and patiently observe theactions of the worker ants, especially between sunset and midnight, and during spring and summer months when the worker carpenter ants are most active.
  
  If you think you may have Carpenter Ants, Contact CARE Pest for a free estimate.

• Pharaoh ants

  

  Pharaoh ants are very tiny (about 1/16" in length) and yellowish to light brown in colour. They are found in kitchen and bathroom cupboards, on counters and on the floors. Pharaoh Ants will go after any exposed foods for example, pet food, spilt food in cupboards or any food that collects behind major appliances. Pharaoh ants are among the most difficult pests to control. It is extremely important not to spray any chemicals or cleaners in the areas where they are travelling. The use of residual sprays or dusts will cause stress on the colonies, causing them to split into sub-colonies that scatter to other areas of your home. This is also called budding .It is also important to make sure there are no food sources available to them. To help prevent Pharaoh Ants, good housekeeping practices such as keeping your food in sealed containers, and ensuring areas are free of food, spillage and crumbs. Pharaoh ant elimination can only be accomplished through an extensive indoor baiting program.
  
  If you think you may have Pharaoh Ants in your home, Contact CARE Pest for a free estimate.

• Pavement ants

  

  Pavement ants are usually found in concrete cracks, either along driveways, patios, sidewalks or the foundation of the home. These ants are about 1/8" to 1/4" inch in length, and are dark brown to black in colour. Pavement ants tend to get inside your home or office, and a tell-tale sign (other than the actual ants of course) is when you find sand or dirt along the baseboards of the room (usually on the ground floor or basement level of the structure) Pavement ants can also find their way into your home by looking for food. Pavement Ants can be seen on counters and around the trashcan. When their nest is located indoor, it can be found near a radiator or source of heat, or in the foundation. The tress and plants located near your house, often act as hosts for pavement ants. To prevent pavement ants from entering the home, make sure there are no small cracks or holes to allow them access and that there is no food or waste within their reach. The nest which is often located outdoors, must be found and destroyed. If you notice pavement ants in your home, a vacuum cleaner may be used to remove any pavement ants that manage to get into the house.
  
  If you think you may have Pavement Ants, Contact CARE Pest for a free estimate.