Insect – Low risk
Black ant
The black garden ant (Lasius niger) is one of the most widespread species in Quebec. It lives mainly outdoors, but can invade homes in search of food, especially sweets. Its colonies can number several thousand workers.
2-5 mm – Black
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
Small, all-black ant, 2 to 5 mm long. The queen is larger (8 to 9 mm). She has a conspicuous single-segment petiole. Her antennae have 12 segments.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It builds its nests in the ground, under paving slabs, along foundations and in concrete cracks. They enter houses in summer, attracted by sweets and crumbs.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, an infestation can double in size in just a few weeks.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Long trails of ants on walls and baseboards
- Small mounds of fine earth outdoors
- Presence in the kitchen around sweets
- Winged ants (swarming) in July-August
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Food contamination
- Difficult to eradicate without professional treatment
- Disturbing presence in the kitchen
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Keep food in airtight containers
- Filling cracks in foundations and around doors
- Do not leave food or crumbs lying around
- Eliminate excessive moisture near foundations
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Home location and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan – pre-intervention measurements.
Treatment
Locate main and satellite nests, treat with non-repellent baits.
Follow-up
Inspection visit – written guarantee.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell it from the carpenter ant?
The black ant is much smaller (2-5 mm vs. 6-13 mm) and entirely black. It does not dig into wood.
When are the swarmings?
Winged ants emerge in July and August for their mating flight. They are reproducers looking to found a new colony.
Do they bite?
They may bite slightly, but their bite is virtually painless. They do not sting.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.