Elective surgeries at Carman Memorial Hospital have once again been temporarily postponed due to a recurring ant infestation inside the facility, raising concerns about long-term remediation efforts and operating room conditions.
Pavement ants often travel in long trails across floors, under carpets and along kitchen and food preparation areas inside buildings
According to a report published Tuesday by Global News, 16 elective surgeries have been postponed because of ongoing ant problems within the hospital.
In a statement provided to media, Southern Health-Santé Sud confirmed that a limited number of elective surgeries were postponed due to the presence of ants within the operating room environment.
“Any factor that could impact the safety or integrity of the operating room environment requires the suspension of surgical activity until the issue can be resolved,” the region stated. “The safety of patients, staff and physicians is paramount.”
Southern Health-Santé Sud said the affected procedures include surgeries such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals. Officials said some surgical services are being temporarily shifted to another facility while extermination and mitigation work continues.
The region confirmed ants were first detected at the hospital in August 2024, but said the issue resolved within a few weeks at that time. When the ants reappeared last summer, additional measures were taken to address the situation. With another seasonal reappearance this spring, Southern Health-Santé Sud said more extensive work is now required to support a long-term solution.
“The region is currently working with a professional exterminator to identify the source of the ants and implement additional measures to support a long-term resolution,” the statement said.
Southern Health-Santé Sud added it is working closely with affected patients to review options for rescheduling surgeries.
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said efforts are underway to restore services “as soon as possible.” The Manitoba Nurses Union has also commented publicly, saying members have described the issue as longstanding and affecting working conditions.
Local entomologist John Gavloski said the species reportedly being found at the hospital — pavement ants — is a common invasive ant in Manitoba that is especially well adapted to urban environments.
“The pavement ant (Tetramorium immigrans) is an invasive species that is not native to North America, but was introduced to North America in the 1700s,” Gavloski said. “It is now a common ant in many areas of North America, including Manitoba.”
Gavloski explained pavement ants commonly build nests beneath pavement, in cracks, compacted soils and areas with little vegetation, allowing them to thrive around developed properties and buildings.
“They are also tolerant of high surface temperatures. Thus, they do well in urban areas,” he said.
According to Gavloski, the ants feed on a wide variety of foods but are particularly attracted to sweet and greasy substances, which can draw them indoors in search of food.
“Indoor problems with pavement ants are generally worse in spring and early summer,” he said.
While pavement ants often forage outdoors during warmer months, Gavloski said they can also establish nests indoors in wall voids and humid areas near heat sources such as hot water lines.
He noted that controlling pavement ants can be difficult and often involves multiple approaches.
“Managing them is complex, and includes finding the nest, reducing access to foods, and can include the use of baits,” Gavloski said.
Gavloski noted he has not been directly involved with the Carman Memorial Hospital situation and said his comments were general observations about pavement ants rather than an assessment of the facility itself.
Southern Health-Santé Sud said extermination and mitigation efforts remain ongoing as officials work toward restoring full surgical services at the hospital.
