Exterior Ants: What You Need to Know
Understanding Colonies, Signs of Infestation, Damage Risks, and When to Call a Pro
Ants are one of the most common pests found around homes and businesses in the Calgary and Airdrie areas—especially during the warmer months. While most people see them as a nuisance, exterior ants can become a much bigger problem if left untreated. Understanding how these colonies work, spotting the signs early, and knowing when to bring in a professional can save you from major headaches down the line.
Understanding Ant Colonies
Ants are highly social insects that live in structured colonies. These colonies can range from a few hundred to several hundred thousand ants, depending on the species. Most exterior ant issues stem from colonies built outdoors—in gardens, along sidewalks, or near the foundation of your home—but the trouble starts when they begin exploring for food, water, or shelter inside.
Each colony is made up of:
A queen (or multiple queens): Responsible for reproduction.
Worker ants: These are the ones you usually see. They search for food, maintain the nest, and defend the colony.
Soldier ants: In some species, these defend the nest.
Reproductives: Winged males and females that fly out to start new colonies.
Colonies are typically built in soil, under rocks, patio stones, or mulch beds. Carpenter ants, in particular, may nest in woodpiles or dead tree limbs, and if moisture is present, they can tunnel into structural wood—creating potential long-term damage to your home.
Common Signs of an Exterior Ant Infestation
Ant infestations can often start unnoticed. However, here are a few telltale signs that ants are establishing a colony close to your home:
Regular trails of ants: If you frequently see ant trails along sidewalks, the foundation, or window frames, they may be using your property as a food source or nesting site.
Ant hills or mounds: Small piles of dirt or sand in the cracks of pavement, lawn edges, or garden beds often indicate an active colony underneath.
Winged ants: These “swarmers” are a major sign that a colony is mature and looking to expand. Swarmers are often mistaken for termites but can signal an ant problem brewing.
Piles of frass (sawdust): Especially with carpenter ants, this can indicate tunneling inside wooden structures or decks.
Soft or water-damaged wood: Carpenter ants are drawn to moisture-damaged wood and can cause structural weakening over time.
If ants are being seen regularly indoors as well, especially in the kitchen or bathroom areas, the colony may be located just outside and workers are simply foraging inside.
The Damage Ants Can Cause
Not all ants cause direct structural damage, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
Carpenter Ants: These are the biggest concern for homeowners. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—but they do excavate it to create nesting galleries. Over time, this can compromise structural integrity, especially in already damp or aging wood.
Soil-nesting ants: While generally less destructive, large colonies near foundation walls can exploit cracks and entry points, causing minor shifting in paving stones or foundation stress when colonies grow.
Contamination: Ants can contaminate food and surfaces as they forage. Some species are particularly persistent, infiltrating kitchens and pantries even if the nest is outside.
Landscape disruption: Some species, like pavement ants, create unsightly mounds and can damage lawn roots or landscaping features.
How a Professional Pest Control Service Can Help
DIY treatments can work for small, surface-level problems, but they often miss the source of the issue—the colony itself. Ants are resilient and highly organized; simply killing a few workers won’t solve the problem.
Here’s how a professional pest control service can help:
Accurate Identification: Different ant species require different treatment strategies. A pro will identify the type of ant you're dealing with—be it carpenter, pavement, pharaoh, or another—and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Colony Elimination: Over-the-counter sprays may kill visible ants, but professionals use targeted products and techniques that go deep enough to eliminate the colony, including the queen.
Safe, Long-lasting Solutions: Professionals have access to products and methods that are both effective and family-safe, and that continue working long after application.
Preventive Treatments: Ongoing perimeter treatments can prevent future infestations by creating an invisible barrier around your home.
Structural Inspection: For carpenter ant activity, a technician can assess whether wood damage is present and advise on repairs or further monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Exterior ant problems might start small, but they can escalate quickly—especially when colonies grow or begin targeting your home’s interior. Whether you’re seeing trails along your patio or suspect you have a carpenter ant nest nearby, acting early is key.
If you're noticing ant activity around your home or business, don’t wait until the problem spreads indoors. Call a trusted local pest control professional to assess the situation and recommend a tailored solution. With the right approach, you can protect your property, your peace of mind, and avoid more costly damage down the road.
