Ants - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I be worried about Carpenter Ants?

Yes, they can cause structural damage.

Q. Do you have a treatment that is guaranteed to protect wood from Carpenter Ant damage for 30 years?

Yes, we can apply a long term protective and preventative treatment to wood at the time of construction at the initial dried-in stage. The product is guaranteed not to decompose or volitilize out of wood. It not only protects against Carpenter Ant damage, but also against common borers such as powderpost beetles, anobiid beetles, old house borers, ambrosia beetles, and even termites! The award winning product we use has over 20 years of both proven product-specific efficacy testing and successful field use. Contact us to find out.

Q: How much does it cost to treat my home or business for any type of ant?

A: Residential and Commercial properties start at $150 and go up - depending on size of structure and level of infestation. Check our site for special offers and discounts. We have special rates for Churches.

Q: Is it guaranteed?

A: Yes, a three month guarantee on the inside of your home or commercial structure. However, the residual effects normally last much longer than three months inside.

Q: What will you do to take care of my ant problem?

A: We take an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This often includes spraying the interior/exterior of your home in areas where ants are found or may hide, using a very effective, residual pesticide. We spot treat using a precise pin stream setting for areas inside the home where ants may be found such as: along baseboards, corners of rooms, in closets, cracks and crevices in walls, door and window frames, behind and beneath sinks, stoves, refrigerators, around cabinets, garbage cans, plumbing and other utility installations; and crack and crevice treatment using a pin stream or Aerotip nozzle setting in openings leading to voids and hollow spaces in walls where ants may hide. We use a fine or coarse fan spray for full coverage on the exterior areas (foundation/ground), and outside nesting areas around your home. Take note: if the applicator from the company you hire is using a pinstream (and not a fan spray) setting for the exterior of your home, you're not getting adequate treatment, and not getting value for money. Also, we make sure to get the pesticide up under the siding to protect it from degradation. How many other companies do that?
For the common types of ants in this region, Carpernter Ants, Pavement Ants, and European Fire Ant, we use a residual; and Pharaoh Ants (light yellow, almost transparent, to reddish brown in color with a darker abdomen, and are often found indoors (especially hospitals) because they prefer a warm climate, we use a non-repelling insecticide or bait so as not to scatter them, unless we are treating the nest directly.

Q: Do I have to leave my home during treatment?

A: The insecticides we use are safe, but to be cautious, there is a 4 hour re-entry period if we spray inside your structure.

Q: I don't see any ants, but will you do a preventative spray?

A: No, we don't believe it is a responsible use of pesticides to perform a so-called “preventative spray” if pests are not present, nor is it part of the IPM model.

Q: Are the pesticides you use safe?

A: Yes, we use a well known safe and effective pesticide called Dragnet FT which has low mammalian toxicity but rapid knockdown effect on insects. We also use Drione Insecticide Powder.

Dragnet FT - Label - Pest Control Product Registration Number (PCP) - 24175

Dragnet FT - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Drione Insecticide Powder - Label - PCP 15255

Drione Insecticide Powder - MSDS

Q: How do I prepare my home for a treatment?

A: Please make sure that all furniture and items have been moved away from interior walls and closets. Please do the same with products under your sink. Also, move items away from the exterior foundation of your home. We need access to the aforesaid areas, and other locations in your home that you see ants. Remove pets from the treatment area.

Q: How long does the job take?

A: Anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

Q: What method of payment do you accept?

A: We accept cash, cheques, email money transfers, and credit cards. Email money transfers are initiated from your online banking (please send to nspest@ns.sympatico.ca). If you want to pay by credit card, we will send you an invoice by email with easy to follow instructions. We use PayPal to process credit card transactions. (Please note: you do not need a PayPal account to pay this way; and, PayPal is very secure.)

Q: Why do I see swarming ants?

A: Ants swarm primarily to forage and mate. Swarming can happen inside a home or outside. Indoor swarms indicate a colony inside your home. Carpenter Ants and Pharoah Ants are two types of ants that colonize inside a structure.

Q: Do you offer free inspections?

A: No. Inspections and quotes are $50 plus tax, which is also built into the total price of the treatment. Travel charges also apply if out of the jurisdiction.

Please contact us if you have anymore questions