How do you prevent and get rid of ants in a Saskatoon home? Seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes and the foundation each spring, keep counters and pet bowls clean, store food in airtight containers, keep mulch and plants off the foundation, and fix leaks. For an existing problem, use ant bait to kill the colony, and call a pest control professional for carpenter ants.

Updated November 2026 by Clayton McNally & Jessica Hamel, REALTORS®, RE/MAX Saskatoon

Why Do Saskatoon Homes Get Ants Every Spring?

Because ants come out of their winter colonies looking for food, water and shelter just as spring freeze-thaw cycles open new cracks around foundations, pipes and driveways. Pavement ants and carpenter ants are among the most common species here. Pavement ants are mostly a nuisance, but carpenter ants can damage wood and are a potential structural concern.

How Do You Keep Ants Out in the First Place?

Close the doors they use and remove what they're looking for:

• Seal entry points: Inspect the exterior each spring for cracks around windows, doors, pipes and the foundation, and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. It also helps with energy efficiency.
• Keep it clean: Wipe counters daily, don't leave dishes in the sink overnight, and take out the garbage regularly.
• Manage the yard: Keep grass trimmed, clear away dead wood and debris, and keep plants, mulch and soil from piling against the house. Our grading guide explains how to keep soil and water moving away from your foundation.
• Reduce moisture: Fix leaky taps and hoses, check under sinks and around appliances, and make sure downspouts drain away from the house (see our tips to protect your house from rain damage).
• Store food properly: Move cereal, grains, sugar and pet food into airtight containers, and pick up pet food bowls at night.

How Do You Get Rid of Ants That Are Already Inside?

Use bait to reach the colony, and other methods to slow them down:

• Ant bait: The most effective option because it targets the colony, not just the ants you see. Workers carry it back to the nest. Place bait stations along active trails and give it several days to work.
• Natural deterrents: White vinegar, lemon juice, peppermint oil and cinnamon can disrupt ant trails. A 50/50 water and white vinegar spray along baseboards and entry points helps, though it won't eliminate a colony.
• Diatomaceous earth: Food-grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled along trails and entry points damages ants' outer shells so they dry out. It's low in toxicity, but avoid breathing the dust and keep it away from where pets eat.
• Vacuuming: A quick fix for a large group indoors. Empty the canister into an outdoor garbage bin right away.

When Should You Call Pest Control?

If ants keep coming back, or if you see carpenter ants. Recurring infestations can signal a deeper issue, and carpenter ants can damage the wood structure of your home, so don't wait. A local Saskatoon pest control professional can find and treat the nest.

How Do You Keep Ants Away All Season?

Make prevention part of your regular routine. Seasonal inspections of your home's exterior and quick action at the first sign of ants go a long way, just like cleaning gutters or changing furnace filters (see our fall home-prep essentials).

Do Pests Matter When You Buy or Sell?

Yes. Buyers should watch for signs of pests and moisture at showings using our home viewing checklist, and raise anything concerning with their home inspector. Sellers should deal with any infestation before listing and keep the pest control receipts in our Home Records & Warranty Tracker. Curious what your home is worth? Get a free home evaluation.

Thinking about your next move? Browse current listings, and talk to Clayton and Jessica, your trusted REALTORS® with Trusted Realty, Powered by RE/MAX Saskatoon: call or text 306.341.4401 or get in touch here.