According to the insect bite pain scale, created by scientist Justin Schmidt, the insect whose bite hurts the most is not a wasp or a spider, but an ant.

Yes, an ant.

Fortunately, this ant, which goes by the name of Paraponera (or “bullet ant” to its friends), is found only in Central and South America.

There is no chance that you will come across one in your home in Sainte-Julie.

But what kind of ants are in your area? Are they dangerous? And how can you get rid of it?

In this article, we’ll look at 3 kinds of ants you might have in your home, and what you can do to get rid of them.

The most common ants in Quebec

The carpenter ant

The carpenter ant measures between 6 and 25 mm in length, and is known for the tunnels it excavates in wood.

If you missed our articles on carpenter ants, we encourage you to read them. The first explains everything you need to know about carpenter ants, and the second gives the differences between carpenter ants and termites.

Is the carpenter ant dangerous?

Yes, but not for your health. The carpenter ant does not usually sting, but it could seriously damage the wooden structures of your home.

The sand ant

The sand ant measures between 3 and 7 mm in length, and rarely walks alone. Most of the time, if you see one, it’s because a hundred others are following closely behind.

Is the sand ant dangerous?

Not particularly, no. But if your home has an adjacent garage, sand ants may visit you, even in winter. To find out what to do to keep them away, check out our article “Sand Ants, Those Unwanted Roommates”.

The pharaoh ant

The pharaoh ant is a species of invasive ant that is widespread in Quebec. With its pale yellow color and small size (between 1.5 and 5 mm in length), this kind of ant physically resembles the little fire ant, but the similarities end there.

Is the pharaoh ant dangerous?

No, not at all. While the little fire ant stings, the pharaoh ant is unable to pierce the skin. However, like the sand ant, it likes to be surrounded by its peers. If you see one in your home, you may have more!

How to get rid of these ants?

Whether you live in Mont-St-Hilaire, Longueuil, Beloeil or Saint-Hubert, the best exterminator on the South Shore is there to help you.

Who is it about? Come on, you know the answer. It’s Brisebois Extermination, of course! Contact us now for a free estimate.

Carpenter ants, sand ants, pharaoh ants… Quebec ants don’t scare us, and Justin Schmidt would surely agree with us!