Pavement ants are a widespread nuisance in Philadelphia-area homes and commercial buildings. As their name suggests, they prefer nesting near paved surfaces, often using cracks and seams to access massive underground colonies. With tens of thousands of ants per colony, they constantly expand their nests and forage for food.
Due to their small size, pavement ants can enter buildings through tiny cracks, searching for food or new nesting sites. While primarily a nuisance pest, they can pose health risks and property damage. Seeing small soil piles on pavement or ants indoors signals an infestation.
Effective control requires a multi-faceted approach. Professional pest management is essential for long-term eradication.
Pavement ants are black or brown and measure 2–3 millimeters in length. They resemble other ant species but have distinctive segmented antennae and a small stinger.
Pavement ants commonly nest in driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and patios, using cracks and seams for entry. Workers bring soil to the surface, forming noticeable piles, often the first sign of infestation.
They may also nest in woodpiles, bricks, stones, mulch, exposed soil, or even insulation within walls and ceilings. Indoor nests can be challenging to locate without professional assistance.
Pavement ants primarily consume honeydew from underground insects but also eat other insects. They are attracted to both sweets and proteins, including fatty, greasy foods. Their foraging habits often lead to food contamination.
These ants create unsightly soil piles on paved surfaces, though significant damage is rare. However, nesting beneath stepping stones can cause uneven surfaces and tripping hazards.
Indoors, pavement ants typically do not damage wood, but their presence indicates structural vulnerabilities that may invite other pests. Identifying and sealing entry points is crucial.
Pavement ants can sting and bite, but their small size makes them a minor threat. Bites and stings are rare, as these ants generally avoid human interaction.
Although direct contact is rare, pavement ants spread bacteria like salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Their foraging in unsanitary areas increases the risk of foodborne illness during an infestation.
Signs of an infestation include:
To minimize infestations, follow these steps:
Ants are the most common pest control issue, often requiring professional intervention. Successful treatment involves proper species identification, nest elimination, and targeted applications of specialized products.
DIY treatments are rarely effective, making professional pest control the best solution.
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