Ants
Pharaoh Ant
A tiny yellowish ant that nests inside heated buildings. Common in apartments, hospitals and care homes, and made worse by store-bought sprays.
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Quick facts
- Size
- About 2 mm
- Colour
- Pale yellow to light brown
- Active season
- Year-round indoors
- Where found
- Wall voids, kitchens, bathrooms, near warmth and water
How to Identify
- Very small, pale yellow ant with a darker tail end
- Two bumps between the thorax and abdomen
- Travels in steady trails near water and food
Signs to Look For
- Trails of tiny ants along pipes, wiring and baseboards
- Ants in bathrooms, kitchens and around sinks
- Activity spreading between units in multi-unit buildings
Why It Matters
- Can carry bacteria between surfaces — a concern in healthcare settings
- Contaminate food and clean areas
- Sprays cause colonies to split, making infestations worse
Prevention Tips
- Do not spray store-bought insecticides — it spreads the colony
- Keep food sealed and surfaces clean
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture
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Big-Headed Ant
A small, light-brown ant whose larger workers have oversized heads.
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Carpenter Ant
The largest and most damaging ant in Northern Ontario.
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Citronella Ant
A yellow ant named for the lemon-like smell it gives off when crushed.
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European Fire Ant
An invasive, reddish-brown ant that stings aggressively when its nest is disturbed.
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