Pavement Ants

Home Ant Control

 

Color: Brown to black bodies with paler legs and antennae.

Characteristics: Build outdoor nests in cracks of pavement, along curbs and under rocks.  Inside they commonly nest in walls and under floors.

Size: Typically about 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch long, although the queens are much larger at 3/8 of an inch long.

Potentially Dangerous: No

Nuisance Pest

Structure Invading

What Do Pavement Ants Look Like?

Ranging in size from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch long, pavement ants range in color from brown to black. They have paler legs and antennae.

Why Do I Have A Pavement Ant Problem?

Pavement ants were introduced from Europe by the early colonists.  Attracted to other insects, honeydew, seeds, plant sap and household foods such as meats, nuts, cheese, honey and bread, pavement ants will seek out foodstuffs in or around your home.  These pests often nest inside walls, insulation and even under floors and like to be near a heat source during the winter time.  They will follow pipes which come through slabs to access upper floors of buildings.

Where Do Pavement Ants Nest?

As their name suggests pavement ants nests can be found outdoors in the cracks of pavement, underneath of sidewalks, cement slabs, bricks, logs, stones, patio blocks, and in the cracks along curbs. Pavement ants may find their way inside of homes and other buildings as they forage for food. Once inside they may decide to stay and nest behind walls, under floors, and in insulation.

What Kind Of Threat Do Pavement Ants Pose?

Pavement ants are considered a nuisance pest and may cause unnecessary stress when they invade but do not pose a threat to health or property.

What Are The Signs Of A Pavement Ant Infestation?

Seeing worker ants moving around in your home, especially in your kitchen, is the best way to determine if pavement ants have invaded your home. Pavement ants tend to invade in large numbers and may overtake homes and outdoor patio areas as they forage for food by following a scent trail from their nest to food source.

How Do I Control Pavement Ants?

Controlling pavement ants can be a challenge because in order to eliminate the entire ant population, identifying the location of a pavement ant nest is essential.  Also do-it-yourself pavement ant treatments and products are not usually effective and may contain pesticides that can be more harmful to people and pets than the ants.  Contacting Holder’s Pest Solutions at the first sign of an ant in the house or elsewhere on the property is the most effective way to resolve ant problems. For effective ant control in Houston, contact Holder’s today.

How Do You Prevent Pavement Ants?

Preventing pavement ants can be difficult, but along with obtaining year-round pest control services there are some things you can do around your home to help prevent them including:

• Trim back trees and bushes away from the outside of your home, ants will use their branches to gain easy access into your home.
• Seal cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation; caulk gaps found around windows and doors.
• Regularly remove garbage from your home and make sure to store the garbage in outdoor trash cans with tight fitting lids until trash day.
• Do not keep food out in the open on your kitchen counters; instead store food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator.