How To Get Rid Of Pavement Ants
Getting rid of pavement ants on your own requires a strategic, thorough approach that targets both the visible workers and the hidden colony beneath the surface. These ants nest under sidewalks, driveways, building foundations, and masonry, so simply killing the ants you see won’t stop the infestation. Here’s how to get rid of pavement ants:
Identify the Infestation
Pavement ants are small (about 1/8 inch long), dark brown to black ants that often appear in kitchens, basements, or around cracks in pavement. Indoors, they’re attracted to sugary foods, grease, and crumbs. Outdoors, look for small piles of displaced soil or sand between cracks in pavement or along building edges — these mark their nest entrances.
Clean and Eliminate Food Sources
Because pavement ants are drawn to easily accessible food, sanitation is critical.
Wipe down countertops, floors, and shelving to remove crumbs, grease, and spills.
Store all food (including pet food) in sealed containers.
Empty trash frequently and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Rinse recyclables before disposal.
By cutting off their food supply, you reduce what attracts ants indoors.
Apply Ant Baits (the Most Effective DIY Option)
Baiting is far more effective than spraying because it targets the entire colony rather than just surface ants.
Use slow-acting gel or granular baits labeled for pavement ants.
Place bait stations along trails, near entry points, baseboards, and cracks where ants are active.
Avoid spraying insecticides near bait — sprays repel ants and prevent them from carrying the bait back to the nest.
Be patient: it can take several days to a couple of weeks for the bait to eliminate the colony.
Recommended active ingredients for DIY use include borax, hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, or fipronil (found in many over-the-counter baits).
Seal Entry Points
Once activity decreases, locate and seal cracks or gaps where ants are entering the building.
Use silicone caulk around windows, doors, and foundation joints.
Repair mortar or sealant along pavement edges and expansion joints.
Install or repair door sweeps and weatherstripping.
This helps prevent reinfestation.
Treat Outdoors if Needed
If pavement ants are nesting directly outside, apply an outdoor ant bait around the perimeter and near visible mound openings. For stubborn infestations:
Use a residual insecticide labeled for perimeter ant control and apply it around the foundation and entry points (avoid contact with bait areas).
Keep products away from drains and water sources.
Monitor and Re-Treat if Necessary
Continue monitoring for activity over the following weeks. Replace baits if they dry out or if activity persists. Large or multiple colonies may require multiple treatments.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Pavement Ants
Our professional pest control is the most effective and reliable way to get rid of pavement ants because our trained technicians can locate, target, and eliminate the entire colony — not just the ants you see. Pavement ants often build their nests deep beneath concrete slabs, driveways, sidewalks, or building foundations, making it nearly impossible for DIY treatments to reach the source of the infestation. Here’s why our professional pest control is the superior solution:
Our Professionals Locate Hidden Colonies
Pavement ant colonies can extend far below the surface and even travel between connected pavement sections. Our pest control experts use inspection techniques and specialized tools to identify nest sites that are otherwise invisible to property owners. This ensures that treatment is applied precisely where it will be most effective — at the root of the infestation.
Our Professional Products Are More Potent and Targeted
We have access to industry-grade baits and non-repellent insecticides that are more effective than over-the-counter products. These formulations are designed to be shared among colony members, including the queen, ensuring complete elimination. The baits and treatments are also applied with precision to avoid contamination of food areas and reduce risks to people and pets.
Integrated, Long-Term Solutions
Rather than just applying a one-time treatment, our professionals develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan tailored to your property. This includes identifying contributing factors such as moisture issues, cracks, and food sources — and implementing both chemical and non-chemical methods for long-term prevention. This proactive approach minimizes the likelihood of re-infestation.
Safe and Efficient Treatment
Our professional pest control technicians are trained to handle products safely and apply them correctly to minimize environmental impact. We know when, where, and how much product to use, ensuring maximum effectiveness without unnecessary exposure to chemicals. This is particularly important for businesses, restaurants, and multi-unit buildings where safety and compliance are top priorities.
Guaranteed Results and Peace of Mind
We provide a re-treatment warranty, meaning if the ants return, we'll re-treat the property at no additional cost. Homeowners and business owners benefit from ongoing monitoring and maintenance — ensuring pavement ants are gone for good.
While DIY baits can temporarily reduce visible activity, they rarely reach the deeply buried colonies that sustain pavement ant populations. Our professional pest control eliminates the entire nest, prevents reinfestation, and delivers lasting protection for your home or business. It’s the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to ensure your property stays ant-free.