Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants: Small Black Ants

Pavement ants are small, black ants that are commonly found in homes and gardens. They get their name from their habit of building nests in and under pavement, as well as in other small cracks and crevices. These ants are known for their well-organized colonies and their ability to forage for food over long distances.

One of the most noticeable characteristics of pavement ants is the small mounds of dirt that they often create near the entrance of their nests. These mounds are used to protect the nest from predators and to regulate the temperature inside.

Pavement ants are attracted to sweet foods, such as sugar and honey, but they will also feed on proteins, such as insects and small invertebrates. In homes, they may be attracted to crumbs and spills, making them a common nuisance pest in kitchens and pantries.

If you have a pavement ant infestation, there are several steps you can take to control and eliminate them. One effective method is to use ant baits, which contain a slow-acting poison that the ants will carry back to their nest and feed to the rest of the colony. It is important to place the baits in areas where the ants are active, as this will increase the likelihood of them finding and consuming the bait.

Other methods for controlling pavement ants include using insecticides, sealing off entry points to the home, and removing potential food sources. It is important to follow the instructions on any pest control products carefully, as improper use can be harmful to humans and pets.

In conclusion, pavement ants are common pests that can be found in homes and gardens. They are attracted to sweet and protein-rich foods and can be controlled through the use of ant baits, insecticides, and by sealing off entry points and removing potential food sources. If you are experiencing an infestation, it is important to take action to eliminate the ants and prevent them from returning. For professional assistance getting rid of pavement ants, contact us today!

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are commonly found invading commercial properties in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, though they can also be found invading residential properties as well. They are a common pest in the continental United States. The pavement ant derives its name from its habit of nesting beside and underneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. New colonies of pavement ants are established after mating flights that usually take place in the late spring and early summer, but these mating flights can take place during other times of the year if the ants are nesting indoors. The alates typically emerge from under baseboards, expansion joints, or from floor registers connected to heating ducts. In commercial buildings, they often become a nuisance when the alates emerge from openings in walls above false ceilings, then drop into the rooms below. This activity can go on for weeks as more alates emerge from their nest.

Nests are located in soil in the open, or under stones and pavement, as well as in masonry or rotting wood. Pavement ants usually leave conspicuous piles of excavated soil. During winter, they will move inside, preferably to be near a heat source such as a radiator or heating duct. Nests usually occur at ground level, and workers use pipes or wires to move upward. Pavement ant workers are more active at night. They tend homopterans for honeydew, especially subterranean homopterans like root aphids, and pavement ants will feed on both live and dead insects, as well as a variety of plants. As household pests, they are attracted to both greasy and sweet foods. Large masses of neighboring colonies are often observed fighting, presumably to defend or increase territory. Larger territories lead to increased nutritional status, and thus larger workers and more reproductives.

Pavement ant workers are monomorphic, 2.5 to 3 mm long, and their body color varies from light to dark brown and blackish. They have a two-segmented pedicel, and a stinger. Their antennae are 12-segmented with a 3-segmented club at the end. The propodeum has a pair of small spines, and the head and thorax of a pavement ant has numerous parallel grooves. Queen pavement ants are similar in appearance, though larger (6 mm). Pavement ants move relatively slowly.