Facts, Identification & Control
Pavement ants as the name implies, usually make their homes in and under pavements.
Where do they live?
Most colonies are located under sidewalks, building slabs, brick patios, driveways, and large rocks. It is common to see sand piles and small soil particles in structures near cracks in concrete slabs or at the top of foundation walls where the ants deposit debris from excavated nests. Ants enter buildings through cracks in foundation walls and interior slabs. Inside, they may be found around baseboards, plumbing, sinks, toilets, along the edges of carpets, and in wall voids.
Pavement ants feed on a wide variety of food including sugar, nectar, fruits, syrups, grease, dead insects, and small seeds. Nearly any morsel of food that falls to the floor will be consumed.
How do they live?
It takes 2 to 3 months for the ant to develop from egg to worker ant. They are small, black-brown ants, with paler legs and antennae. The abdomen is all black.
A colony of pavement ants will have multiple queens and numerous workers.
How do they affect us?
Pavement worker ants can become a nuisance to homeowners when large groups infest a kitchen or garden patio.
Unsightly dirt mounds can be spotted on sidewalks, driveways and alongside homes.
Though not considered a major health threat, pavement ants can contaminate food and dining areas by leaving dirt and germs behind on the surfaces that the foraging insects contact.
How do we control them?
The foraging of pavement ant workers can be controlled using baits.