What Kinds of Ants Do We Have in Alberta?

In Alberta, the diversity of ants is vast, with dozens of species playing ecologically important roles in our ecosystem. While many species are beneficial to the ecology of the region, others become a significant pest when they establish a colony near or within human structures.

Why should you care? Well, different species of ants require different treatment approaches. What gets rid of one species might not work on another. In some cases, the wrong treatment can even make the problem worse!

Let's look at the main species of ants that are a problem for homeowners in Calgary and beyond:

The Carpenter Ant: A Structural Challenge

The carpenter ant is perhaps the most destructive species of ant in the region. In the Canadian wilderness and in urban areas like Calgary and Airdrie, the western black carpenter ant (Camponotus modoc) is common. These large ants in Alberta are based primarily on the worker for their identification, as those are the ones you're most likely to see. 

Members of the genus Camponotus do not eat wood, even though their mandibles are strong enough to chew it. Instead, they nest by tunnelling into a stump, a log, or moist structural wood found in homes. The distribution of these ants is wide, with this species found across North America. They are frequently found in moist woodlands or forested areas, but these days, they are also quite happy making a nest in your home if they get the chance.

Moisture Ants

Moisture ants are another common species found in Alberta, typically seeking a habitat in bathrooms or kitchens where leaks occur. Like many other types of ants, they are attracted to sugary and greasy foods. To manage them, it is essential to eliminate sources of excess moisture.

This is a very common species of ant that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Whether you live in a condo in Calgary or are having ant problems in Okotoks, these intruders are often the problem.

Pharaoh Ants

Indoors, the pharaoh ant is a notorious challenge for pest management. These tiny, yellow-to-brown ants are known to spread disease in settings like hospitals. They are notably difficult to eradicate because a single colony can split into smaller groups when threatened.

Pharoah ants have multiple queens. When they feel their nest is threatened, they can split up, turning a single nest into several. That makes them one of the trickiest ant species in Alberta to deal with. Never spray anything on Pharaoh ants! Not commercial ant spray. Not household cleaners. The only way to deal with these ants is with a structured baiting program that encourages them to take the bait back to the nest, where it will eradicate the queen and her eggs.

Mound Builders: Western Thatching Ants

The western thatching ant (Formica obscuripes), which may be grouped with other field ants, is unique because it constructs a large mound of soil covered in a layer of twigs and grass. This thatched roof helps the colony survive varied year-round conditions. While they generally stay outdoors, their large nests can sometimes damage a lawn.

The Odorous House Ant

The odorous house ant is easily recognized by the distinct rotten odor it releases when crushed. They are highly adaptable and known ant scavengers that move their nests frequently—often every 21 days. While they often nest outside under rocks or debris, they will readily enter homes in search of sweets.

Biology and Conservation

A typical ant colony consists of a complex caste system: the queen, drones, and worker ants. During the reproductive season, winged ants (alates) engage in a nuptial flight to start a new colony, while the wingless workers continue to forage. While ants are sometimes viewed only as pests, work is needed for their conservation, as they are vital for ecology. They act as a predator to many other invertebrates, such as the beetle larvae, and interact with other insects like the bee, wasp, and aphid.

Still, if you have any of these ants on your own property, they need to go. That's especially true with Carpenter ants, which can do structural damage to your home by chewing through wooden beams.

If you have an ant problem, call Rapid Pest Control today. We have the tools and the expertise to protect your house and save your summer.