Insect – Low risk

Black ant

Lasius niger

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.

fourmis noire commune

2-5 mm – Black

SIZE
2 to 5 mm
COLOR
Black
ACTIVITY
Diurnal
SEASON
April - September

§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

PHASE 1
Ponte
Hatching in about 60 days
PHASE 2
Larva and pupa
Development: 2 to 3 months
PHASE 3
Adult worker
Worker: 7 years - Queen: 17 years

Without intervention, an infestation can double in size in just a few weeks.

§4What to look out for

Signs of infestation

§5Why act fast

Risks

§6Prevention

How to avoid it

§7Pro method

How MW works

STEP 01

Inspection

Home location and assessment.

STEP 02

Preparation

Customized plan – pre-intervention measurements.

STEP 03

Treatment

Locate main and satellite nests, treat with non-repellent baits.

STEP 04

Follow-up

Inspection visit – written guarantee.

§8We answer you

Frequently asked questions

The black ant is much smaller (2-5 mm vs. 6-13 mm) and entirely black. It does not dig into wood.

Winged ants emerge in July and August for their mating flight. They are reproducers looking to found a new colony.

They may bite slightly, but their bite is virtually painless. They do not sting.

24/7 INTERVENTION

React quickly, sleep well.

The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.