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Pavement Ants

Identification

Pavement ants get their name because they commonly make nests in or under cracks in pavement. These dark brown to black ants can also infest structures. They are located throughout the United States.

BIOLOGY

Colonies are very large. Pavement ants will eat almost anything. They have been known to consume insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. They forage in trails for distances of up to 30 feet and are known to climb masonry walls that enter into occupied areas.

 

This extensive foraging behavior is part of what allows colonies to thrive for long periods—an insight closely tied to understanding the lifespan of an ant, especially in a highly adaptable species like the pavement ant.

 

 

Pavement Ants

HABITS

When indoors, Pavement ants will occasionally nest in walls, insulation and under floors. The most likely place is in ground-level masonry walls of the foundation, especially near a heat source in the winter. They often follow pipes which come through slabs for access to upper floors. Outside, they will nest under stones, cracks in pavement and next to buildings. They enter buildings through cracks in the slab and walls, slab expansion joints and natural openings. They are not aggressive but workers can bite and sting.

 

Because infestations can last for years without detection, homeowners often ask how long do ants live—an especially important question when dealing with indoor nests that may have been active for multiple seasons.

CONTROL

Pavement ants are known to be attracted to moisture. To help prevent an infestation of pavement ants, eliminate any standing water or wet spots around your property. Trim back any tree branches and other plants from the house as these can provide highways for these ants to enter the home. Check your foundation for small cracks and openings around the perimeter of your home and make any necessary repairs to fill the holes. Lastly, make sure that any firewood or building materials are stored a distance from the home because these ants like to build nests in stacks of wood. Indoors, clean up spills and crumbs on counter tops and kitchen floors. Consult a professional if you see any signs of an infestation

Common ant species

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