In the heart of Delson, on the South Shore of Montreal, a family living in a single-family residence called our team after noticing lines of pavement ants crossing the back terrace and penetrating under the threshold of the living room patio door. The pavement ants, recognizable by their dark brown bodies and methodical gait, had established several colonies under the concrete slabs separating the house from the garden. Located a few minutes from Saint-Constant, Delson’s properties often have landscaped outdoor spaces that are ideal habitats for this invasive species.
Diagnosis and inspection of the premises
Upon arrival, our certified technician performed a full perimeter inspection of the property. Several telltale signs have been identified: fine piles of granular sand between the joints of the paving stones, galleries dug under the foundation and workers moving between the vegetable garden and the concrete foundation. The inspection confirmed the presence of at least three active fireplaces, two of which were directly under the terrace and a third at the edge of the driveway. This rigorous assessment is the starting point for any effective treatment, as accurate nest identification allows interventions to be concentrated in strategic locations. The technician also noted several cracks in the foundation mortar that made it easier for insects to access the interior of the house.
Treatment plan and application
The action plan adopted combined two complementary approaches. First, an extermination of pavement ants by applying a granular delay bait, deposited directly on the transit areas identified during the inspection. This type of bait is particularly effective because the workers carry it to the queen, eliminating the colony at the source. Then, a targeted spray of residual insecticide was applied to the immediate periphery of the foundation and in the joints of the paving stones. To prevent rapid recontamination, the technician also sealed the widest foundation cracks with expansion foam, reducing the available entry pathways. The entire treatment was carried out in compliance with Quebec pest management standards, protecting the vegetable garden and children’s play areas.
Preventive measures and follow-up
Following the treatment, a prevention plan was given to the owners. Among the main recommendations: repointing the deck tiles with a moisture-resistant polymer product, moving the pile of firewood away from the foundation and removing areas of standing water around the house. Our technician scheduled a follow-up visit four weeks after the procedure to confirm colony removal and adjust treatment if necessary. For customers who want long-lasting protection against various crawling insects, we also offer a complete outdoor insect treatment on a seasonal basis. Also consult our similar achievements on pavement ants in other sectors and on anthills treated in residences to better understand the diversity of situations treated. Our team in Delson is available for an on-demand appraisal of your property. Trust Nova Extermination, your certified pest control specialist on the South Shore.