Ant Control Services
Targeted, eco-conscious ant control for homes and businesses in Toronto, the GTA, and Southern Ontario. Backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
- Thorough Inspection & Species Identification
- Customized Treatments That Target the Colony
- Long-Term Prevention Solutions
Understanding Ontario’s Ants
Ants are social insects that live in colonies with workers, developing young, and one or more queens. Outdoors, they help break down organic matter and feed on other insects. Problems begin when their search for food, water, or nesting space brings them inside. Workers leave scent trails that guide other ants to a food source, which explains how a few visitors can quickly become a steady stream across your counter. Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants have different nesting habits, so identifying the species is the first step toward getting an infestation under control.
Bees & Wasps We Treat
Carpenter Ant
Camponotus spp.
The largest ant you’re likely to find indoors in Ontario, and the one that does real damage. They don’t eat wood, but they hollow it out to nest, usually where it’s already damp. See the warning signs to watch for.
Pavement Ant
Tetramorium spp.
The small, dark ant marching in from the driveway or patio stones, usually in spring and summer. They follow cracks in foundations and slabs straight to your kitchen. Find out how to stop the trails from coming back.
Pharaoh Ant
Monomorium pharaonis
Tiny, pale, and one of the hardest ants to control, because store-bought sprays can split one colony into several. They thrive in heated apartments and commercial buildings. Learn why they need a coordinated approach.
Carpenter, Pavement, or Pharaoh? How to Tell Them Apart
| Species | Appearance | Nest Location | Main Concern | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter Ant | Large, black or red and black; workers vary in size | Damp or damaged wood, wall cavities, stumps and logs | Property damage from nesting in wood | Spring to summer, indoor colonies active year-round |
| Pavement Ant | Small (about 3 mm), dark brown to black | Soil under driveways, patio stones, and slabs | Persistent food trails indoors | Spring through summer |
| Pharaoh Ant | Very small (1.5 to 2 mm), yellowish to light brown | Warm, hidden spaces near plumbing, appliances, and in walls | Food contamination, colonies spreading through buildings | Year-round in heated buildings |
Signs You Have an Ant Problem
- Steady ant trails along baseboards, countertops, window frames, or plumbing lines
- Ants gathering around pet bowls, pantry shelves, or food prep areas
- Small piles of soil or sand pushed up through cracks in paving or basement floors
- Coarse, sawdust-like debris below wooden trim, window frames, or wall openings
- Winged ants appearing indoors or collecting at windows, especially in late winter or spring
- Ant activity that continues through winter, a sign of a nest inside a heated part of the building
Our Ant Control Process
Step 1. Consultation and Inspection
A licensed technician inspects your property to find active trails, likely nest sites, and entry points, and identifies the species involved.
Step 2. Full-Site Inspection Report
You’ll get a clear summary of what we found: species, nest locations, and the food or moisture sources supporting the colony.
Step 3. Custom Pest Control Action Plan
We build a treatment plan around the specific species and colony, as each calls for a different approach.
Step 4. Putting Your Plan Into Action
We apply targeted, eco-conscious treatments, such as baits and nest treatments, in a process that’s safer for people and pets.
Step 5. Strategies for Staying Pest-Free
We confirm the colony is under control and provide you with a list of steps you can take to prevent re-infestation.
Why Choose GreenLeaf?
Eco-Friendly
Methods
Science-based treatments with proven, maximal effectiveness and minimal impact that are safer for your family, pets, and the environment.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Your peace of mind is our priority. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Trusted Since
1999
We’re a team of licensed, experienced technicians proudly serving homeowners and businesses across the GTA and Southern Ontario since 1999.
Customized Treatment Plans
We identify current and potential infestations based on your property’s characteristics and location to design an action plan that keeps you protected.
The GreenLeaf Pest Control Home Protection Plan
For businesses and homeowners dealing with ants that return every spring, our Home Protection Plan (HPP) offers a long-term solution. It begins with an intensive first visit to resolve any active infestations, followed by scheduled inspections and responsive service calls throughout the year, anytime pests reappear.
Learn More About Our Home Protection Plan
What Our Customers Say
Get Help With Ants Today
Seeing trails that won’t quit or sawdust you can’t explain? Contact GreenLeaf today for a free estimate and fast, effective ant control.
Frequently Asked Ant Control Questions
What is the best control for ants?
The best control for ants is a treatment that eliminates the colony, usually slow-acting baits combined with targeted nest treatments. Worker ants carry bait back to the nest and share it with the queen, which stops the colony at its source. Because carpenter, pavement, and pharaoh ants respond to different products, GreenLeaf identifies the species before choosing a treatment.
How to permanently get rid of ants at home?
To permanently get rid of ants at home, eliminate the colony and then remove what attracted it: food, moisture, and entry points. Store food in sealed containers, fix leaks and damp areas, and seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing lines. New colonies can move in from outside each season, so GreenLeaf’s Home Protection Plan adds scheduled visits throughout the year to catch activity early.
Does dish soap really kill ants?
Yes, dish soap mixed with water kills the ants it soaks, but it won’t get rid of an ant infestation. Soapy water breaks down the ants’ protective outer coating and wipes away the scent trails other ants follow. It never reaches the nest, though, so the colony keeps sending new workers and the trail usually returns within a day or two.
How do I get rid of a huge ant infestation?
The most effective way to get rid of a huge ant infestation is a professional inspection and colony-level treatment. A large infestation usually means one or more established colonies nesting inside or right next to the building. Avoid store-bought sprays, which can scatter the ants and, with pharaoh ants, cause the colony to split into several new ones.
What is an ant’s worst enemy?
In nature, an ant’s worst enemies are rival ant colonies, along with predators such as birds, spiders, antlions, and parasitic flies. Inside a home, their worst enemy is a well-placed bait, because workers carry it straight back to the queen. That’s how professional ant control eliminates the whole colony rather than just the trail you can see.
What won’t ants walk across?
Ants tend to avoid crossing chalk, cinnamon, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and sticky barriers, but only for a short time. These interrupt the scent trails ants rely on, or make surfaces harder to cross. None of them stop a colony, and ants usually find a way around within days, so sealing entry points works far better than trying to block their path.
What’s the best homemade ant killer?
The most common homemade ant killer is a bait made from borax and sugar, which can reduce some sugar-feeding ants over time. Results are inconsistent; it does little against carpenter or pharaoh ants, and borax can be harmful to pets and children if swallowed. For ants that keep coming back, professional ant control is faster and more reliable.
Are ants dangerous to my health or home?
Most ants found in Ontario homes aren’t dangerous to people, but some species can contaminate food or damage property. Ants pick up bacteria as they travel from garbage, drains, and outdoors to kitchen surfaces, and pharaoh ants are a particular concern in apartments and healthcare settings. Carpenter ants are the main property risk, since a colony can hollow out damp or damaged wood over time.
Are your ant treatments safer for pets and children?
Yes, GreenLeaf’s ant treatments are science-based and designed to be safer for pets and children. We use eco-conscious, low-impact products placed only where ants travel and nest, which limits exposure elsewhere in your home. Our licensed technicians follow strict safety protocols and give you any preparation or re-entry instructions before treatment begins.
How do I choose a professional ant exterminator?
Choose an ant exterminator who is licensed, identifies the species before treating, and stands behind the work with a written guarantee. Generally in Ontario, anyone applying pesticides commercially must be licensed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, so ask to see the licence. A good provider also explains the treatment plan and safety steps, and gives you prevention advice. GreenLeaf’s licensed technicians have served Toronto, the GTA, and Southern Ontario since 1999, and every job is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
