Pavement ants are among the ant species that are considered to be “Sugar ants,” and are originally native to Europe. Today, you can find Pavement ants all over North America, though they aren’t quite as common in the southern United States as they are in other parts of the country. These ants get their common name from the way they prefer to nest underneath paved surfaces. You may also find them making their way into your Cleveland, TX home in search of food and water. They are noted for moving in small motions.
Generally speaking, ants are among the most hearty, resilient, and adaptable insects around, and most species can be difficult to get rid of once they’re indoors. It’s a good idea to know what type of ants you’re dealing with to help you in managing them.
Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum) Facts
Pavement ants are a small ant species, measuring only about 1/16″ to 1/8″ in length, and dark brown to black in color, with more pale-colored antennae and legs. Their lower bodies are typically all black. Pavement ant antennae have a recognizable “L” shape to them. These ants are known to have moderately large colonies, and their swarmers (mature, flying ants from the colony) are commonly seen in June and July, though there have been swarming Pavement ant sightings in other months of the year.
These ants primarily love sweets, including honeydew and fruits, but will also eat proteins and greasy foods. Pavement ants will also consume pet food if they find it. Outdoors they primarily nest in pavement cracks, underneath stones, and close to buildings. Pavement ants are notably aggressive against other ant species in the spring.
They are known to enter structures through cracks and crevices, as well as through expansion joints in slabs. Indoors, they like to nest in wall voids, underneath floors, and even in insulation.
Pavement ant trails are most noticeable at night. Look for their trails in plumbing pipes and electrical wires.
Must Read:LITTLE BLACK ANTS ON YOUR PORTER PROPERTY
How Do I Get Rid of Pavement Ants in My House?
As with trying to prevent other ant and insect invader pest species, keeping your lawn well mowed and the interior of your home wiped down and clean is a major key to keeping Ghost ants out. No matter how clean your home is, keep in mind that ants can show up in even the cleanest of homes. Try the following tips to help you get rid of Pavement ants in your home.
- Promptly wipe up food and beverage spills, keep your sink free of empty dishes, and sweep and mop regularly in your kitchen. Make sure all leaks indoors and outdoors are repaired.
- Seal up cracks and crevices in the baseboards, doors, and windows. Screen off pipe and utility entry points.
- Keep firewood and mulch at least 20 feet away from your home, and clear your yard of debris.
- Trim your shrubs and trees at least an inch or two away from the side of your home.
- Mow your lawn regularly and keep it clear of lawn clutter (logs, branches, stumps, leaf piles, etc.).
As with other ant species, baiting is the most consistently reliable and long-term way to eliminate entire colonies instead of spraying with a conventional repellent residual spray. But you can spot treat for ants with a good spray, just don’t spray where you’ve put down bait, or the ants won’t come anywhere near the bait like you want them to. You can also spray your yard with a good yard bug spray. Be patient! Depending on the colony size, it could take from a few days to a few weeks to eliminate it entirely.
Pavement ants are likely to make an appearance on your property or even in your home at some point. Even with all your best preventive measures, you may still find yourself dealing with ant infestations (or problems with other pests) from time to time. Do you really want to spend your summer and fall months chasing after ants, or would you rather spend them grilling? Call our Cleveland, TX pest control experts today at 832-898-0190 and we can help you save all sorts of money, stress, and time. Get into the habit of having your weekends and downtime free!
