Ant Control in Burnaby
Understanding the Challenge of Ant Infestations

Looking for ant control in Burnaby? With its vibrant mix of urban living and natural beauty, occasionally encounters a common nuisance: Ants. Despite their small size, ants can become quite the bothersome guests in Burnaby’s diverse neighborhoods and parklands. Their presence can lead to food contamination, damage to structures, and even health concerns due to their ability to carry diseases.
Nestled within Burnaby’s bustling communities and iconic landmarks like Metropolis at Metrotown, ant infestations can pose challenges for residents and businesses alike. Prompt action is crucial to prevent these pests from becoming a persistent problem.
Ants are one of the most common pests in Burnaby, and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Whether they are nesting in walls, beneath foundations, or along pathways, ants can quickly become a nuisance. While some species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage, most ants are more disruptive due to their relentless search for food and water.
At 1st Pest Control, we provide expert ant control services tailored to specifically eliminate infestations while helping prevent future invasions. Whether you’re operating a café near Edmonds, managing facilities at BCIT, or maintaining a family home in Brentwood, our team customizes solutions to suit your property’s unique needs. From residential to commercial and institutional spaces, we deliver targeted ant control with precision and care.
How to Identify Pavement, Carpenter, and Pharaoh Ants

Pavement Ants
- Size: Small, 2.5–4 mm long.
- Color: Dark brown to black.
- Two small bumps (nodes) on their waist.
- Fine grooves or lines on their head and body.
- Tiny spines on their back, just behind the upper body (thorax).

Carpenter Ants
- Size: Large, 6–12 mm long (queens up to 20 mm).
- Color: Black, red, or a mix of black and red.
- Smooth, rounded upper body (thorax).
- One small bump (node) on their waist.
- No spines on their back.

Pharoah Ants
- Size: Very small, around 2 mm long.
- Color: Light yellow or golden, with a slightly darker abdomen.
- Slim and almost translucent appearance.
- One small bump (node) on their waist.
- Antennae with 12 segments and a three-segmented club.
Understanding Ant Control in Burnaby: Different Treatments for Different Ants

Pavement Ants
The reason pavement ants receive their name is because they build their nests under or in cracks in pavement. Structures may also get infested by these dark brown to black ants.

Carpenter ants
A carpenter ant is a large ant species known for excavating wood to create nests. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood but can cause structural damage. They are typically black or red and black, and can range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch. They are known for damaging wood structures.

Pavement Ants
The pharaoh ant is a small, yellow to light brown ant species known for its prolific nesting habits and difficulty to control. They are notorious indoor pests, forming extensive colonies in buildings and feeding on a variety of foods, including sweets, oils, and proteins.
Other Household Ants

Argentine ants
The Argentine ant is a small, light to dark brown ant native to South America. Known for forming large colonies with multiple queens, these ants are highly invasive and can displace native ant species. They thrive in urban and agricultural areas, often entering homes in search of food.

Red Imported Fire Ants
A fire ant is a small, reddish-brown insect known for its aggressive behavior and painful sting. Native to South America, these ants form large colonies and build noticeable mound nests. They are invasive pests in many regions, causing damage to crops, livestock, and posing health risks to humans and animals.

Winged ants
Did you know that winged ants are not a species? They are reproductive members of any ant colony, often seen during mating season, known as “nuptial flights.” They resemble flying termites but have pinched waists, bent antennae, and two differently sized wings. These flying ants can swarm in large numbers, particularly after rain, seeking new areas to establish colonies, which can lead to infestations indoors.
Not All Ants Are Alike: Immediate Start Vs. Delayed Treatments
Delayed or Immediate Treatment? What to Expect from Ant Control in Burnaby
At 1st Pest Control, we know that every ant problem is different — and so is the solution. Pharaoh ants and Carpenter ants need a little extra preparation before treatment begins. Because these ants can react to disturbance, we provide homeowners with easy-to-follow guidelines to prepare the space properly, helping ensure the treatment is fully effective.
Once everything is ready, our technicians can safely and efficiently eliminate the colonies. Pavement ants, on the other hand, can usually be treated right away during the first visit, since their nests are more accessible. By customizing our approach for each ant species, 1st Pest Control delivers the best possible results with lasting protection.
Delayed Treatment (Prep work needed)
Carpenter ants / Pharoah Ants
Species: Carpenter ants (Camponotus species), Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus))
Pharoah ants Treatment

Because they were mistakenly thought to be one of the plagues of Egypt during the reign of the Pharaohs, pharaoh ants got their name. Although it is currently found all over North America, this species is believed to be native to Africa.
Carpenter Ants Treatment

Carpenter ants are a species of ant that gets its name from how it builds nests. They dig into wood and make smooth tunnels inside of it. They don’t eat wood; they just burrow through it and chew on it to make nests.
Immediate start of treatment
Pavement Ants Treatment

The name “pavement ants” comes from the fact that they build their nests in or under cracks in pavement. These ants can also get into buildings and infest them.
Treatment
During the initial visit, our pest control technician will inspect key areas of your property where ants are active. They will assess the extent of the infestation and identify problem areas that require treatment.
After the inspection, the technician will present their findings and recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
If you choose to move forward with the plan during the initial visit, we will start the treatment immediately, without any further delay.
Our Proven Ant Control Process in Burnaby

Inspection & Assessment
During the initial visit, our pest control technician will inspect key areas of your property where ants are most likely active. They will assess the extent of the infestation and identify problem areas that require treatment.
Customized Treatment Plan
After the inspection, the technician will present their findings and recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Immediate Treatment
If you choose to move forward with the proposed plan during the initial visit, we will start the treatment immediately, without any further delay.
Why Choose 1st Pest Control for Ant Control in Burnaby?

Fast, Targeted Ant Elimination
Don’t waste time with DIY sprays that only treat the surface. 1st Pest Control’s experts identify the source of the infestation and eliminate ants at the root — quickly and effectively.
Safe for Families and Pets
Our treatments are designed with your home’s safety in mind. We use environmentally responsible products that are tough on ants but gentle on your loved ones.
Long-Lasting Protection
We don’t just stop the current infestation — we help prevent future ones. With proven prevention strategies and follow-up care, 1st Pest Control keeps your home ant-free for the long term.
When DIY Ant Control Methods Fall Short

DIY ant control methods, such as store-bought sprays or homemade repellents, may offer temporary relief, but they often don’t address the underlying cause of the infestation. Ants are persistent and can nest in hidden areas, making it difficult to fully eliminate them with basic solutions.
If ants continue to appear despite your efforts, contact 1st Pest Control for effective and fast ant control.
Ant Control in Burnaby: Fast, Safe, and Long-Lasting Solutions
At 1st Pest Control, we have the expertise and tools to efficiently eliminate ants and prevent future infestations. Our approach includes:
- Focused inspections to identify areas where ants are most active.
- Effective ant control methods tailored to your specific situation.
- Prevention strategies designed to minimize the chances of ant reinfestations.

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