A family living in La Prairie, on the South Shore, was concerned to discover columns of tiny yellowish ants invading the main bathroom and kitchen of their single-family residence. Despite several attempts to eliminate them with hardware products, the ants invariably returned, sometimes in greater numbers than before. This behavior is characteristic of pharaoh ants, whose colonies fragment and proliferate when exposed to repellent insecticides. This phenomenon of splitting, triggered by chemical stress, can turn a manageable infestation into a much more difficult situation to control, especially when you delay consulting a professional. It was imperative to adopt a professional method adapted to the particular biology of this species. Nova Extermination took charge of the case with a structured approach that made it possible to eliminate the infestation in this Laval home in the long term.
Home Inspection and Infestation Mapping
The mandated technician inspected the residence from top to bottom, from the basement to the attic. In this type of house built in the 2000s, pharaoh ants often exploit the spaces between the gypsum sheets and the insulation, as well as the passages of electrical cables and pipes. In Chomedey, several street houses similar to this one share common green spaces that facilitate the spread of settlements from one building to another, especially in the rows of terraced houses. The inspection revealed active leads under the bathroom flooring, behind the water heater, and in cabinet cavities under the kitchen sink. Workers carrying larvae have been observed, indicating a colony in the movement phase, probably triggered by previous home treatments. Our exterminator in La Prairie has precisely documented each point of activity before proceeding with the application of the baits, in order to ensure a targeted and truly effective treatment at each stage of the intervention.
Targeted treatment with slow-transfer baits
The preferred solution for pharaoh ant extermination in a single-family home is the strategic placement of delayed-action insecticide-based gel baits. This type of product is consumed by the workers, who transport it to the colony and gradually eliminate it, including the queens. Our technicians placed small doses of bait at about thirty specific points identified during the inspection, favouring the transit areas observed, particularly under sinks, behind appliances and along pipes. Family members have been given clear instructions: not to use insecticide spray, not to clean baiting areas with strong disinfectants for at least three weeks, and to report any new ant sightings. Particular attention has been paid to areas frequented by children and pets, with a choice of closed and lockable stations. The treatment was complemented by careful consideration of potential exterior entry points, including cracks in flashing and joints around basement windows, to block any reintroduction routes from outside the property.
Post-treatment results and recommendations
At the follow-up visit three weeks after treatment, the family reported a marked reduction in ant activity in all the rooms involved. The bait had been widely consumed at several points, confirming the effectiveness of the transfer between the members of the colony. A second targeted application was made in the remaining active areas to finalize the removal of the last queens. The final visit, five weeks after the start of treatment, revealed no residual activity. To prevent any reinfestation, we recommended caulking the cracks and entry points identified on the periphery of the building, particularly around the plumbing passages and foundations. You can check out our work on pharaoh ants in a comparable residence to see how we adapt our approach according to the characteristics of each home. The family now has all the knowledge and practical recommendations to keep their home free of pharaoh ants in the long term, by combining vigilance, regular hygiene and annual structural maintenance of the property.