# Ant Control — Spider Squad

Spider Squad provides professional exterior ant control for residential properties across Ontario, targeting foraging ants at the foundation perimeter before they reach interior spaces.

## Ontario Ant Species: What You're Dealing With

**Pavement ants** — the most common. Small, dark ants (2 to 3 mm) that nest under slabs, driveways, and along foundation footings. They trail inside seeking sugars and proteins, especially in spring when colonies are expanding. Exterior residual treatment disrupts trails within days.

**Carpenter ants** — structural risk. Ontario's largest house-invading ant (6 to 12 mm). Carpenter ants excavate moisture-damaged or softened wood to build satellite nests — they don't eat wood, but the galleries they create weaken structural members over time. Signs: sawdust (frass) near wood, large black ants near windows or walls, winged ants emerging from inside the home. Early treatment prevents costly structural repair.

**Odorous house ants** — nuisance. Tiny dark ants named for the coconut-like smell when crushed. They nest in wall voids, under flooring, and in soil near the foundation. Multiple queens make colonies hard to eradicate through spot treatment — consistent exterior perimeter treatment is the most reliable long-term approach.

## Treatment Method

**Step 1 — Foundation perimeter spray:** Residual liquid insecticide applied along the full foundation line, covering the lower 2 to 3 feet of exterior wall and 1 to 2 feet of adjacent ground. Ants must cross this treated zone to reach any entry point.

**Step 2 — Entry point focus:** Gaps around pipes, weep holes, window sills, door thresholds, and utility penetrations receive focused application. These micro-gaps are where pavement ants and carpenter ants most commonly enter.

**Step 3 — Trailing route treatment:** Visible ant trails along pavement edges, garden borders, and fence lines are treated to disrupt established foraging patterns. Breaking pheromone trails reduces reinvasion significantly.

## Timing in Ontario

Optimal treatment window: **late April to early June**, when colonies are active and foraging but haven't reached peak numbers. A spring treatment followed by a mid-July reapplication provides season-long coverage.

Ontario ant activity calendar:
- April: pavement ants emerge from overwintering
- May: peak indoor trailing season begins
- June: carpenter ant nuptial flights (winged alates visible)
- July to August: full colony activity, heavy foraging
- September: ants begin clustering for winter
- October+: activity slows; overwintering begins

## Carpenter Ants vs. Pavement Ants

Carpenter ants require different expectations than pavement ants. Exterior treatment is highly effective at eliminating foraging trails. For established indoor satellite nests (common in older homes with moisture issues), interior spot treatment in affected areas may also be needed. If you're seeing large ants year-round near windows, walls, or in the basement, mention this when booking.

## Combining with Spider Treatment

Ant and spider treatment target the same exterior foundation zones and can be completed in a single visit. Most clients book ant + spider together for complete foundation-level protection. The combination is often the most efficient use of a service appointment.

## To Book

Call 905-935-7498 or request a quote through your regional page at spidersquad.ca.