Just because you live in a built-up area doesn’t mean that you are not going to be exposed to ants – and they can be a headache. Pavement Ants (as they are known) are a common problem in urban areas. Given their name, it’s no surprise that these ants can be found infesting paved and concrete surfaced areas. Enormous colonies can grow in areas paved by asphalt as well. But, the problem is that they don’t stay put = they make their way into buildings and make nests inside – and that is when they can become a real pest.
Pavement ants are not exactly picky eaters. They can thrive on a diet of grease, oil, small insects, and anything sweet. The workers also consume Honeydew which is secreted by Aphids. They enter homes in search of food – and they will search out the tiniest of entrances. They can be incredibly frustrating to control due to the fact that they nest in hard-to-reach cracks and crevices in walkways and driveways (among other locations).
If you are now sharing your home with pavement ants, then there are solutions that can help you. Read on to learn more about some professional-grade products and useful techniques to help you deal with these unwelcome guests.
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Know your Enemy
Before deciding on the right approach to dealing with pavement ants you want to make sure of the identification. If you misidentify the species that you are dealing with, it’s a sure bet that the treatments that you are going to be applying will not be as effective as they could be. That will lead to needless expense in terms of both time and money. Here are some of the common characteristics of this species that will allow you to make a positive identification.
It’s worth noting that pavement ants can be easily misidentified – some species of little black ants look similar. However, those ants can further complicate matters due to the fact that they can also feature a light brown thorax as well as legs and antenna that are slightly lighter in colour.
Pay attention to detail. Pavement ants are slightly bigger than the other species (about1/8th of an inch in length). They also have grooved parallel lines on the thorax and head – a giveaway. They share 12 segmented antennae (with a ‘club’ that is divided into three parts) with those little black ants.
Pavement Ants can also be identified by their habits and where they live. As mentioned previously, they can be found in pavement cracks, driveways, sidewalks, and close to the foundations of buildings.
The Essential Inspection
Once you have identified the problem as Pavement Ants it’s time to perform an inspection to find out where they are nesting. Focus on finding these hotspots where they are located. Finding the nest will allow for effective treatment.
Where to Look
Start outdoors. Those cracks and crevices in pavements and drives are prime spots for nesting. Also, inspect sidewalks (including the curbs). In your yard, take a look under any loose rocks, logs, and woodpiles, under bricks, in leaf litter, and around and under general yard debris. Take a walk around your property and check close to the ground around the foundations. When you have completed that phase of the inspection, head indoors and check areas such as wall voids and the areas where carpets meet baseboards.
What are you Looking For?
Of course, your first clue will be the nats themselves and any visible anthills. These look like tiny volcanos with a central dirt crater. Once again, they can be found on sidewalks, driveways, and curbs. Inspect all of these areas closely and take note of any ‘foraging trails’ you might come across. Once you have reached the conclusion that you are actually dealing with pavement ants, you are ready for the next step – treatment.
How do I deal with Pavement Ants?
Dealing with these ants can be a challenge, but it is absolutely essential to locate the nest. If that is not done, it is highly unlikely you will be able to effectively eliminate an entire population. Unfortunately, DIY ant treatments are not very effective – and most contain pesticides that can be harmful to your family and any pets. The most effective way to deal with these ants is to call in a professional ant control company the moment you come across these ants.
Can I prevent a Pavement Ant Infestation?
Preventing pavement ants from becoming more than an inconvenience can be challenging. However, finding a pest control company that will conduct regular inspections and apply treatment when necessary will go a long way to keeping the problem under control. That said, there are certain steps that you can take to reduce the possibility of an infestation after the original ant problem has been dealt with. You can prevent their return by removing access to food sources – and cleaning regularly. Here are some additional preventative measures.
Trim back bushes and trees that are close to the foundations of your home, and ants use the branches to enter your home.
Make sure that any cracks in exterior walls and foundations are sealed. Make sure that gaps around doors and windows are caulked.
Don’t leave garbage inside your home; remove it regularly and make sure that your outdoor trash cans are some distance from the home. Make sure that the trash cans are tightly sealed.
Pack away food. Don’t leave it exposed on countertops – place leftovers and ingredients in sealed containers – or put them back in the fridge immediately.
Wipe down countertops with disinfectant and make sure that floors are clean. Vacuum and sweep regularly. Fix any leaks in the plumbing – Pavement Ants are attracted to moisture.
Tidy up your yard and remove any debris such as rocks, leaf litter, and general clutter. Make sure that woodpiles are located as far away from the house as possible (and convenient). All of these create safe havens for Pavement Ants to live and breed.
