Introduction
As spring returns to Canada, homeowners in cities like Calgary, Vancouver, and Kelowna, Edmonton, and Toronto, start noticing a familiar nuisance: ants. These tiny intruders often arrive in swarms, marching through kitchens, bathrooms, patios, and basements.
Why does this happen every year? As temperatures rise and moisture levels increase, ant colonies awaken from their winter dormancy. They send out scouts to search for food and water, and if your home offers easy access, you’re likely to see an invasion.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why spring leads to more ant activity and provide expert-backed tips on how to control ants before they take over your space.
Tip 1: How Ants Communicate and Follow Scent Trails
Ants are incredibly coordinated. When a worker ant discovers a food source, it releases a chemical trail (pheromones) that other ants can follow directly back to the food. This is why one or two ants can turn into a full-blown line in a matter of hours.
If you don’t eliminate the pheromone trail, the ants will continue to return. That’s why wiping down surfaces with plain water often isn’t enough.
Quick Fix: Use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water to clean countertops, floors, and baseboards. This helps erase the invisible trail ants rely on.
Tip 2: Eliminate Moisture and Food Sources
Ants are primarily looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements tend to offer all three, especially in spring when rain and condensation increase humidity.
Check for leaky faucets, standing water, and condensation in your home. Wipe up crumbs and don’t leave pet food sitting out too long.
Pro Tip: Pull out your appliances and clean behind and underneath them. Food particles and moisture can collect in those hard-to-reach areas, making them ant magnets.
Tip 3: Choosing the Right Ant Baits
Not all ants eat the same thing. Some prefer sweets, others go for proteins or grease. Using the wrong bait can actually attract more ants without eliminating the colony.
Choose a bait that targets the species common in your area. In Western Canada, common offenders include:
- Sugar ants (odorous house ants)
- Pavement ants
- Carpenter ants (which can cause structural damage)
Once ants take the bait, they bring it back to the colony to share—which is key for long-term elimination.
Important: Don’t kill the ants you see. Let them carry the bait back to the nest. That’s how it works.
Tip 4: Professional Solutions for Persistent Infestations
If you’ve tried everything and the ants keep returning, it’s time to call a professional pest control service.
At Avayda Pest Control, we provide eco-conscious, family-safe treatments to eliminate ant infestations at the source. Our certified technicians:
- Identify the type of ant species
- Locate the nest and common entry points
- Use strategic baiting and barrier treatments
- Offer long-term prevention plans tailored to your home
We proudly serve homeowners across:
- British Columbia: Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, North Vancouver, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton
- Alberta: Calgary and Edmonton
- Ontario: East Toronto
Our spring ant control programs are designed to stop infestations before they start—giving you peace of mind all season long.
Conclusion: Be Proactive Before Ants Take Over
Spring may be prime time for ant invasions, but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Understanding how ants operate—and taking steps to eliminate what attracts them—can go a long way in keeping your home pest-free.
If ants are already invading your space, or if you want to prevent them before they show up, Avayda Pest Control is here to help. Our local technicians know the pests common to your area and use proven methods to keep them out.
Ready to take back your home? Contact Avayda today for your personalized spring pest control plan.
Avayda Pest Control: Everyone deserves a pest free home.
