|
Appearance: Pavement ants are
monomorphic all one
size about an 1/8th of an inch with two nodes in the petiole. The
pavement
ant is dark brown in color. The head and thorax are highly sculptured
with
numerous grooves when viewed from above. The winged reproductives are
larger
then the workers. Swarming ants are sometimes confused with swarming
termites
see comparison. [comparison
link] |
|
Biology: Pavement ants are social insects
which means
they live together in colonies. The pavement ants' common name is
derived
from their habit of nesting on or near cement walkways and driveways.
These
ants nest next to foundations, under stoops and under the slab portions
of structures. Pavement ants forage for food and water thorough the
year
in heated structures. Winged reproductives usually swarm in the spring
but they can be seen throughout the year especially during warm sunny
days
of september and october. |
|
Conducive Factors: Pavements will eat a
Variety of foods
especially sweets and carbohydrates. During periods of high egg
production
these ants may favor protein food sources. Pavements will seek out
internal
water sources especially during long periods of drought. Some conducive
factors include soiled garbage pails, crumbs on floors, dirty
recyclable
container areas and leaking or dripping plumbing. |
|
Damage: Pavement ants excavate
large amounts of
sand and soil from under stoops , brick walkways and slabs. Over time
this
activity can cause these items to sink and settle causing structural
damage.
However, the most common complaint is ants seen foraging for food and
water
on floors and counters of kitchens. bathrooms and other areas of the
house.
Foraging ants will contaminate stored food products. |
|
Control: The first step in pavement ant
control is a
thorough inspection in and around the structure. You want to inspect
all
areas that are conducive to pavement ants especially areas in around
the
foundation. Pavement ants nest in the soil under slabs, stoops,
walkways
and around the foundation. Its important to remember even if the ants
are
seen on the 2nd story of a house they have most likely trailed from a
nest
located in the soil around and under the house. Pavement ant nests can
be quite large and are difficult to get at when below concrete slabs. A
variety of ants baits are extremely effective in controlling pavement
ants.
The worker ants feed on the baits then return to the nest where they
feed
and spread the material throughout the colony. Residual sprays offer
temporary
relief as they kill the worker ants that cross the residual barrier
however
the nest will continue to survive in the soil location.
Contact
Us
1800/427-0002
|
