UPDATE: After inspecting the suite in Prescott House, a pest-control company has determined that the ants found Nov. 24 were simply household ants, according to Chris Cline, Carleton's media relations co-ordinator.
The ants were lingering around a garbage can and all that was a needed was a "quick vacuum and a few traps," Cline added.
Original story:
Red ants were discovered in a suite in Prescott House Nov. 24, according to the department of housing and conference services.
Four students found the ants in the common living area of their shared suite, said Lynn Burritt, assistant director of residence life services, via email.
Because the ants are regular red ants — as opposed to the more aggressive and painful “fire” ants — the students have remained in the suite and are not expected to be in any danger, Burritt said. It is unknown whether any were bitten.
The discovery of red ants is an uncommon occurrence, Burritt said, adding the school has already contacted a pest-control company, which will act “as required to resolve the situation.”
No other cases have been reported, but it isn’t the first case of insect infestation in residence this year. Three cases of bed bugs were reported in September.
– With files from
Jane Gerster