Is it worth getting an exterminator for ants?

Ants seem like a small problem and most people will turn to the internet for a DIY fix almost immediately. While the internet is full if DIY fixes, calling a pest management professional is worth it depends entirely on what type of ant you're dealing with, how long the problem has been going on, and whether you've already tried to solve it yourself.

Here's an breakdown to help you decide between doing it yourself and hiring a professional pest exterminator.

The short answer: yes, it is ideal to hire a pest management professional in most cases. For minor, early-stage ant problems, well-placed DIY ant baits can work. But for recurring infestations, carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, or any ant problem that has been going on for more than a few weeks, a professional exterminator is almost always the faster, more cost-effective, and a more permanent solution.

How does Do-It-Yourself vs Pest Management Professional compare?

Signs that You should call a Pest Professional Now

• The problem keeps coming back: If you've treated the ants and they've returned within a few weeks, the colony has been only disrupted but not eliminated. Re-infestation will occur as the queen is still active, and a professional treatment targeting the source is needed to break the cycle permanently.

• You're seeing carpenter ant: Carpenter ants are the most destructive species found in Canadian homes. They excavate moisture damaged wood to build their nests, and a well-established colony inside your walls, roof framing, or floor joists can cause serious structural damage. The sign of carpenter ants means that there may be a moisture issue with the structure. Carpenter ants require void injection treatment that is only possible with professional equipment.

• Ants are appearing in multiple rooms: Ants spreading across multiple areas of the home. If ants appear in bathrooms, bedrooms, or upper floors, this suggests a large, well-established colony, or multiple satellite nests. This level of pest infestation is very difficult to resolve with consumer products alone.

• You've already used spray and it got worse: Contact sprays cause certain species (particularly pharaoh ants) to bud and split one colony into several colonies. If your infestation has grown after using aerosol treatments, this is very likely what has happened. A professional can assess the situation and apply the correct multi-bait protocol to reverse the spread.

• You live in an apartment or townhome: In multi-unit buildings, ant colonies often span multiple units, travelling through shared walls, floors, and utility chases. Treating your unit alone is rarely enough because the colony re-infests from neighbouring spaces. A building-wide or coordinated professional treatment is the only way to achieve lasting results in these settings.

What a Professional Pest Exterminator actually does

• Full inspection: Identifies the species, locates entry points, finds evidence of nesting inside walls or foundations, and assesses the full scope of the infestation before ant treatment begins.
• Targeted colony treatment: Uses commercial-grade slow-acting baits and residual insecticides designed to reach the queen through the colony's own foraging and feeding behaviour.‍
• Void and perimeter treatment: Injects dust or foam insecticide directly into wall voids where colonies are nesting, and applies a residual barrier around the exterior perimeter to stop re-entry.
• Follow-up and guarantee: Returns to verify the infestation has been eliminated and retreats at no extra charge if activity continues which no consumer product can offer.

What does Ant treatment cost?

$400-450 is typical single treatment for a standard Greater Toronto Area home. This is backed by a 60 day warranty.