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LOCALLY OWNED IN SURREY, BC

Fire Ant Control in British Columbia

We find the European fire ant nests hidden in your lawn and garden beds, then treat each one so you can use your yard again.

★★★★★ 4.9 rating from our Google reviews

LicensedPest Control

SPMA BCMember

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WorkSafeBCCovered

WHERE FIRE ANTS NEST

European Fire Ant Treatment for Lawns, Gardens & Yards

European fire ants build no mounds, so most people only find a nest when they kneel on it and the ants pour out to sting. These are the parts of a Lower Mainland yard where our ant control team searches first.

Lawns and grass edges

Nests sit just under the turf, often where the grass meets a bed, fence or path.

Garden beds, pots and mulch

Raised beds, planters and bark mulch stay damp and warm, which helps colonies grow fast.

Under stones, pavers and wood

Stepping stones and wooden bed edging soak up the sun by day and keep nests warm at night.

FIRE ANT OR LOOK-ALIKE?

How to Identify a European Fire Ant

Several kinds of red ant live in BC, but only one swarms out and stings when you get near its nest. Check these details before you treat.

Size and colour

Workers are about 4–5 mm long and reddish-brown all over, sometimes with a darker head.

Swarm and sting

Disturb a nest and dozens of ants rush out to sting. Most native ants here run off or give only a small bite.

No mound

A nest shows as a small hole or a hand-wide patch of loose soil, usually hidden in the grass.

Pavement ants

These are darker brown to black, a bit smaller, and leave little sand piles in slab cracks. They rarely sting. If that sounds right, see pavement ant control.

Thatching ants

Larger, about 8 mm, with a red front half and dark rear, and they heap up mounds of needles and twigs. They bite but can’t sting.

Not the US fire ant

The red imported fire ant of the southern US needs far more heat than BC has. Ours is a different species from Europe.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Signs of European Fire Ants in Your Yard

Stings while gardening

Burning stings after weeding or kneeling on the lawn usually mean a nest is just below the surface.

Ants under pots and pavers

Lifting a planter, paver or log and finding red ants rushing out points to a nest underneath.

Pets avoiding the grass

Dogs that yelp, lick their paws or steer clear of one patch of lawn may be getting stung.

Ants crowding on fallen fruit

Red ants piling onto dropped fruit or food left outside show a nest within a metre or so.

The same ants next door

Fire ants move from yard to yard, so a neighbour's problem often turns into yours.

Ants in new plants or soil

Red ants in a new potted plant, turf roll or mulch delivery can start a fresh infestation.

WHY EARLY ACTION MATTERS

Why Fire Ants Get Harder to Clear Every Year

One colony can hold many queens, and each year some of them walk off with workers to start new nests close by.

Painful, repeated stings

Stings burn and swell for an hour or two, then can itch for about a week. Rarely, they trigger a serious allergic reaction.

A yard you can't use

Children, pets and gardeners start avoiding the lawn, beds and patio.

Nests that multiply

More nests appear every season, spreading toward fences and into neighbouring yards.

Tip: skip the boiling water and the shovel. Queens slip away through side tunnels and rebuild the nest close by.

OUR FIRE ANT PROCESS

Our European Fire Ant Treatment Process

Identify

We confirm they’re European fire ants, not one of the native red ants that help your garden.

Map

Food baits set out across the yard show where the ants gather, leading us to each hidden nest.

Treat

We open each nest and treat the soil and its side entrances, so escaping queens meet treated ground.

Monitor

A return check in spring or early summer catches new nests before they spread.

TREAT THE NEST, NOT THE SURFACE

Fire Ant Nest Treatment That Reaches the Queens

Surface sprays and store baits mostly kill the workers out foraging, while up to 20 queens per colony stay safe underground. Treating the soil of every nest, plus the tunnels beside it, is the approach that has worked best in BC.

Nest-by-nest treatment

Every nest we find is dealt with on its own, so none is left to restart the colony.

Licensed and registered

Products registered in Canada, applied by licensed technicians to BC rules and the label.

Spread prevention

Clear advice on handling soil, turf and plants, so the ants don't hitch a ride to a new spot.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Every Fire Ant Treatment Includes

Confirmation that the ants are European fire ants
Survey of the whole yard for hidden nests
Each nest marked and treated
Side tunnels and nearby entrances covered
Advice on moving soil, plants and mulch
Return check for new nests

WHY EXOPEST

Why Choose Exopest

Locally owned in Surrey
Licensed and WorkSafeBC covered
Clear price before work starts
Safe for families and pets
Every job guaranteed
Homes and businesses across BC

DIY OR PROFESSIONAL?

When to Call a Professional

Most red ants in a BC garden are harmless natives that feed on other pests. Call us if you notice:

We treat all the nests on your property in the same round, leaving the queens nowhere to retreat to.

LOCAL FIRE ANT ADVICE

European Fire Ant Prevention for Gardens & Yards

Mild, damp ground across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley suits European fire ants, so a few yard habits make a real difference.

Red ants compared

Ant	Look	Nest	Stings?
European fire ant	Reddish‑brown, 4–5 mm	Lawns, beds, under stones; no mound	Yes, in swarms
Pavement ant	Dark brown to black, about 3 mm	Under slabs; sand in the cracks	Rarely
Thatching ant	Red front, dark rear, about 8 mm	Mounds of needles and twigs	No, bites only
Red imported fire ant	Reddish, mixed sizes	Large dirt mounds; not in BC	Yes

In a Lower Mainland yard, a red ant that swarms out to sting is almost always the European fire ant.

7 ways to keep fire ants out

Check potted plants, root balls and bagged soil for red ants before planting.
Keep soil, turf, mulch and leaf litter from an infested yard on that property.
Clear away unused pots, old lumber and yard clutter sitting on damp ground.
Replace rotting wooden bed edging, a favourite nesting spot.
Wear boots, gloves and tucked-in pants when working near a nest.
Brush ants off your skin instead of crushing them, which sets off more stings.
Let your neighbours know, so yards that share the ants can be treated together.

Spotted stinging red ants already? Book fire ant control.

CLEAR, HONEST PRICING

How Much Does Fire Ant Control Cost in BC?

We price fire ant work once we’ve seen how many nests there are. The quote is agreed with you before any treatment starts.

Number of nests

A few nests by the patio take less time than dozens across a lawn.

Size of the infested area

Large or shared areas need more survey and treatment work.

Where the nests sit

Nests in tree roots, rock walls or plant crowns take extra care.

Follow-up checks

A spring return visit may be added to catch new nests.

Need an exact price?

Call 604-760-1542 and we’ll quote once we know how far the nests reach across your yard.

FOR HOMES AND LANDLORDS

Pest Control for Your Home

Stinging ants in the lawn, rats by the shed or wasps under the eaves, handled at houses, townhomes and rental homes.

FOR EVERY BUSINESS

Pest Control for Your Business

Pest control for strata grounds, schools, daycares and offices, scheduled around the people who use them every day.

VERIFIED GOOGLE REVIEWS

What Our Customers Say

Homeowners, gardeners and strata managers across the Lower Mainland share their experience with Exopest.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Scorpion Ssandhhu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional services with grate price
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tami A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve been using Expopest for many years. Kashif is our go to guy whenever we need reliable service. He’s very knowledgeable and friendly. Call him anytime and he’s very quick to respond. 100% recommended!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rog y 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exopest has been servicing my business and property for a long time. Very efficient, friendly team and quick service
Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dominic Lee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kashif was very professional. Responded promptly to my messages and showed up on time to get the job done. Would recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joan Mara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional service by a local Canadian owned company. We called Exopest at 9pm on a Friday night and Manager Kashif Naseer picked up the phone! He was at our home in less than 24 hours. A significant mouse problem was irradiated 24 hours later. Kashif is a true professional: polite, proficient, he educated us, and he solved the problem for us. Could not be happier to recommend this company. Thank you Exopest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Terry Sidhu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kashif just left.  Bald faced Hornets nest hanging in our front yard tree is safely deactivated.  Minor activity still but he said it should be dormant by tomorrow.  Super responsive and really nice guy.  I checked prices and he's extremely reasonably priced.  Easily 5 stars.  Would recommend and call again anytime for services if needed!  Thanks Kashif and Exopest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jacob Bowman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exo Pest Control were a pleasure to deal with: responsive, punctual, and effective. kashif provided the technical services and were expert and friendly. I highly recommend this company in the event you have unwelcome cohabitants. thanks kashif
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emmett Barber 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were prompt and did a thorough inspection of the property/house. They were courteous and professional and very helpful. I would use them again in a heartbeat and would recommend their service to anyone without hesitation. nice job kashif

LOWER MAINLAND & FRASER VALLEY

Fire Ant Control in Surrey, Langley & Across the Lower Mainland

We treat European fire ant nests in yards and shared grounds in Surrey, Langley and Delta, and on through the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Choose your area below.

Choose your area

Tap an area on the map or choose it above.

Our home base

Surrey

Includes Whalley, Guildford, Fleetwood, Newton, Cloverdale and South Surrey.

Your local page

Surrey

Don't see your area? View all service areas or call 604-760-1542.

HELPFUL ANSWERS

Fire Ant Control FAQs

Straight answers for Lower Mainland homeowners, gardeners and strata managers dealing with European fire ants.

Are these the same fire ants found in the US?

No. BC’s fire ant is the European fire ant, a smaller species from Europe and Asia. The red imported fire ant of the southern US, with its big dirt mounds, isn’t found here.

What should I do if I get stung?

Step away from the nest and brush the ants off rather than crushing them. Wash the area and use a cold compress. Get medical help right away if your face or throat swells or breathing becomes difficult.

Why didn't boiling water get rid of the nest?

Hot water only kills the ants it reaches near the surface. A nest has many queens and side tunnels, so the survivors move back in and the colony recovers.

Will store-bought ant bait work on fire ants?

Bait mostly kills workers and may slow the ants down for a while. The queens usually survive, so the nests themselves need treating.

How did fire ants get into my yard?

In BC they don’t fly to new places, so they arrive in soil, mulch, turf or potted plants, or walk over from a neighbouring yard. You can also report them to the Invasive Species Council of BC.

How long does fire ant control take?

A small infestation can often be handled quickly. Bigger or shared ones take longer, and a spring check helps catch colonies moving back in.

Is the treatment safe for my kids and pets?

We treat the nests themselves instead of spraying the whole lawn, and tell you which spots to keep children and pets off, and for how long.

How much does fire ant control cost?

It depends on how many nests we find, how much of the yard they cover and whether a return visit is needed. Call 604-760-1542 for a free quote.

EXPLORE MORE SOLUTIONS

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Rodent Control

Rats and mice removed from homes and businesses, with entry points sealed.

LICENSED TECHNICIANS IN SURREY

Stinging Red Ants Taking Over Your Yard?

Call or request a quote, and an Exopest technician will track down each nest and plan the treatment for your lawn and beds.

Fire Ant Control in British Columbia

European Fire Ant Treatment for Lawns, Gardens & Yards

Lawns and grass edges

Garden beds, pots and mulch

Under stones, pavers and wood

How to Identify a European Fire Ant

Size and colour

Swarm and sting

No mound

Pavement ants

Thatching ants

Not the US fire ant

Signs of European Fire Ants in Your Yard

Stings while gardening

Ants under pots and pavers

Pets avoiding the grass

Ants crowding on fallen fruit

The same ants next door

Ants in new plants or soil

Why Fire Ants Get Harder to Clear Every Year

Painful, repeated stings

A yard you can't use

Nests that multiply

Our European Fire Ant Treatment Process

Identify

Map

Treat

Monitor

Fire Ant Nest Treatment That Reaches the Queens

Nest-by-nest treatment

Licensed and registered

Spread prevention

Every Fire Ant Treatment Includes

Why Choose Exopest

When to Call a Professional

European Fire Ant Prevention for Gardens & Yards

Red ants compared

7 ways to keep fire ants out

How Much Does Fire Ant Control Cost in BC?

Number of nests

Size of the infested area

Where the nests sit

Follow-up checks

Need an exact price?

Pest Control for Your Home

Pest Control for Your Business

What Our Customers Say

Fire Ant Control in Surrey, Langley & Across the Lower Mainland

Surrey

Langley

Vancouver

Burnaby & New Westminster

Richmond

Tri-Cities

Ridge Meadows

Delta

Fraser Valley

Fire Ant Control FAQs

Are these the same fire ants found in the US?

What should I do if I get stung?

Why didn't boiling water get rid of the nest?

Will store-bought ant bait work on fire ants?

How did fire ants get into my yard?

How long does fire ant control take?

Is the treatment safe for my kids and pets?

How much does fire ant control cost?

Related Services

Ant Control

Pavement Ant Control

Wasp Control

Rodent Control

Stinging Red Ants Taking Over Your Yard?

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