Call (613) 743-8074 Compare carpenter ants, pavement ants and pharaoh ants using exact reference photos, size, colour and typical nesting locations.
Ant species can look similar from a distance, but their nesting behaviour and treatment response can be very different. Correct identification is especially important before treating small indoor ants.
Each card uses an actual reference photograph of the pest or life stage named.
Large ants that excavate smooth galleries in wood. Coarse frass and activity from structural wood can indicate a nearby nest.
Small dark ants that form trails from cracks around pavement, foundations and ground-level entrances.
Tiny pale indoor ants that can split into additional colonies when disturbed. Avoid uncoordinated spraying.
| Type | Size | Appearance | Typical location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter Ant | About 6–13 mm | Large; usually black or dark brown | Damp or damaged wood, wall voids and rooflines | Most noticeable spring through fall |
| Pavement Ant | About 2.5–4 mm | Small; brown to nearly black | Under slabs, stones, pavement and foundations | Spring through fall; may forage indoors |
| Pharaoh Ant | About 1.5–2 mm | Very small; yellow to light brown | Warm wall voids, cabinets and connected buildings | Year-round indoors |
Photograph workers beside a coin or ruler when safe. Size, colour, trail location and nesting evidence are more useful together than colour alone.
Identify a Pest From a PhotoSend Emerald Pest Control a clear photo and property details for professional confirmation and appropriate next steps.