Toronto, Ontario, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With warmer weather just around the corner, Abell Pest Control warns homeowners to watch for carpenter ants, whose activity spikes with warmer weather. These pests are one of the leading causes of wood damage in Canadian homes, especially in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. Left unchecked, carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage, making early detection and prevention critical.
“In British Columbia, we saw a 30% increase in carpenter ant activity between 2023 and 2024, largely due to the unusually warm spring weather,” said Abimbola Fagbamiye, Director, Regional Operations (Western Canada), Abell Pest Control. “This surge in carpenter ant populations is a clear sign of the growing problem homeowners are facing.”
What do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants are large, black or reddish-black ants, ranging from 7 to 13 mm (¼ to ½ inch). They have a smooth, rounded thorax with a narrow “waist” and a shiny, segmented appearance. Unlike termites, carpenter ants have a “pinched” waist and are not pale in colour.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation:
- Small piles of sawdust that contain insect body parts around your home
- Rustling sounds coming from inside the walls
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Piles of insect wings near windows
- Live ants, particularly active in the evening
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Carpenter Ants:
- Eliminate standing water and moisture around your property. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas such as crawlspaces, basements, and attics.
- Carpenter ants prefer moist wood; therefore, any water leak from faulty plumbing or roof leaks must be repaired to eliminate favourable conditions for ants.
- Trim back tree branches and plants that touch your home.
- Seal any cracks or gaps on the exterior of your house with cement or silicone caulk.
- Store firewood and other wood materials at least 6 meters from your home and raise them at least 12 cm off the ground.
“Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to build nests, weakening structures like walls and beams,” said Fagbamiye. “Delaying action makes the problem harder to control and more expensive. Early intervention limits damage and prevents further spread. Addressing moisture or rotting wood helps keep them from returning.”
If you suspect an infestation, call Abell Pest Control or visit www.abellpestcontrol.com to schedule an inspection.
About Abell Pest Control:
Founded in 1924, Abell Pest Control is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated company that has provided trusted pest management services across the country. With a long history of protecting customers and their patrons, Abell is committed to delivering exceptional service to homes and businesses nationwide, available 24/7. Committed to innovation, Abell Pest Control offers cutting-edge technology-driven solutions for pest prevention and management, ensuring the highest standards. Abell values partnerships and is dedicated to giving back to the industries it serves, maintaining a strong network of alliances to support its customers. Learn more about Abell by visiting www.abellpestcontrol.com or following them on social media for pest control tips on Facebook and Instagram.
CONTACT: Eliana Pasquariello Abell Pest Control epasquariello@abellgroup.com
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