Pavement Ants: Information, Pictures, and Facts
Pavement ants are common all over the U.S. These tiny pests have a habit of nesting anywhere you’d think like debris, stones, pavement slabs, lawns, and more. Although these foundation ants do not pose any threat, they can be annoying and challenging to control.
In this guide, learn how to identify pavement ants and get rid of them.
Facts, Identification, and Control
Here are some facts about these slab ants.
Latin Name
Tetramorium caespitum
Appearance
Pavement ants are brown and have lighter appendages than their bodies. The ants are three millimeters in length and have crossing lines on their thorax and head. These ants have antennae with a segmented club.
These concrete ants have six legs and have a stinger in the last abdomen. The swarmers and queens have wings bigger than the workers.
Facts About Pavement Ants
Science shows that pavement ants were introduced to the U.S. by the European merchant vessels during the 1800s. The ships had soil with unwelcome ants. Once the ships docked at the port, the soil was replaced with goods to carry back. That’s how the pavement ants came into the States.
Where Do They Live?
Pavement ants nest along the cracks of your curb, pavement, and under stones. You can also find them on patios, driveways, sidewalks, and cracks in foundation walls during the summer months.
What Do They Eat?
These ants forage for food indoors and will eat anything they come across like nectar, fruit, insects, and seeds. They also consume household foods like ice cream, cheese, bread, meat, and grease.
How Did I Get Pavement Ants
You can get pavement ants if you have cracks on your exterior doors, windows, and foundation. They can follow pipes to access the upper floors. If you have foods like cheese, meat, honey, or bread lying around, you can also attract pavement ants. Remember that pavement ants live near homes and find their way inside when they are looking for food and water.
How Serious are Pavement Ants Problems?
Pavement ants do not pose any threat to your property or health. However, these tiny pests can cause stress and be a nuisance in your home. These ants also sting when provoked, although this is unlikely due to their docile nature.
What Can I Do About Pavement Ants?
If you have a pavement ant problem, you can use non-repellent insecticide spray around the foundation to prevent them from infiltrating your house. You can also use slow-acting ant bait. Once the workers eat the bait, they take the rest to the colony, which can help eliminate the entire population.
You may also need to hire a professional pest control company if these ants invade your yard, home, or driveway. The staff will help identify the ant and come up with a treatment plan to get rid of the threat.
Signs of a Pavement Ant Infestation
One of the common signs of a pavement ant infestation is spotting them moving around in your house. They invade in large numbers and form a trail as they look for food. These ants love to nest near food sources, the reason you may find them in your kitchen.
Pavement Ant Prevention and Control Tips
Some of the ways to prevent and control pavement ants include:
Proper Storage of Food
Avoid leaving food lying around the kitchen counter. Instead, place everything in sealed containers, or put food in the refrigerator.
Seal any Holes or Cracks
Cover any cracks and crevices around your home to prevent the ants from accessing your home. Check for gaps around doors and windows, and caulk them.
Remove Garbage and Trash Outside
Make sure to remove garbage from your house. Also, store the waste in outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Trim Bushes and Trees
Ants can gain access into your home using branches. Cut back branches, trees, and bushes that are near your house.
Pavement Ants Professional Pest Control
Handling a pavement ant infestation can be challenging. Some of the above methods may not be effective in eliminating these ants. A professional pest control company can help you locate the ant colony nest, positively identify the type of ants you’re dealing with, and recommend the best way to get rid of them.
FAQ
Some questions you may have about pavement ants include:
How Do I Get Rid of Ants in Driveway Cracks?
The best way on how to get rid of ants in driveway cracks is to use a slow-acting bait station. Place it next to your driveway to drive these ants out of their nesting spot.
How Do I Get Rid of Ants in Sidewalk Cracks
For you to figure out how to get rid of ants in sidewalk is to find the nest. Use an ant bait trap near the nest entrances. You can also use an insecticide containing cypermethrin to get rid of them.
