When we see a doctor, we usually have to tell him or her about our situation and allow them to examine us. Why?
In fact, without these steps, the doctor will not be able to make a diagnosis, and without this valuable diagnosis, he or she may not be able to help us adequately.
Can we draw a parallel with extermination? Yes!
Indeed, an exterminator must know what he is dealing with before acting. It’s simple: no diagnosis, no treatment (or at least not the right treatment).
So, if you call us about an ant problem in the house, we will probably find out what kind of ants it is. Are these paving ants or carpenter ants?
Identifying the type of ants… it’s complicated, isn’t it? Not too much, if you know what to observe!
In this article, you will find tips on how to identify the most common types of ants in Quebec: pavement ants, carpenter ants, scent ants and pharaoh ants.
Good success!
How to identify pavement ants?
Pavement ants, also known as “sand ants,” are brown or black and usually between 2.5 and 3 mm in length.
Check out our article on pavement ants here.
How to identify carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are either completely black, or very dark (almost black) with a red/brown thorax. These ants can measure between 6 and 13 mm in length.
To recognize carpenter ants, you can also rely on the small sawdust they leave behind.
See our article on carpenter ants here.
How to identify scent ants?
Scent ants can easily be confused with pavement ants, as both types of ants are similar in color and size.
However, scent ants tend to be slightly smaller (2 to 3 mm in length). Also, as you can see from the pictures, the scent ants are a bit paler than the pavement ants.
Check out our article on scent ants here.
How to identify pharaoh ants?
Pharaoh ants can be identified more easily than their cousins because of their pale yellow color and their very small size (1.5 to 2 mm long). Often, these ants walk in single file to get food.
Check out our article on pharaoh ants here.
Comparative table of common ants in Quebec
The following list will help you compare the 4 types of ants mentioned in this article:
Pavement ants
- Color: Brown/black
- Length: 2.5 to 3 mm
Carpenter ants
- Color: Black or black/brown/red
- Length: 6 to 13 mm
Scented ants
- Color: Grey/brown
- Length: 2 to 3 mm
Pharaoh ants
- Color: Pale yellow
- Length: 1.5 to 2 mm
What if I can’t identify the ants I have in my home?
If you have ants in your home and you still can’t identify them, it’s okay!
Call Brisebois Extermination. Like a skilled physician, we offer you not only the right diagnosis, but also the right prescription.