How To Identify And Get Rid Of Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are one of the most common ants infesting homes. These ants were introduced to the United States via soil on ships from Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pavement ants are now found in all 50 states and often enter our houses. When ants move in, identifying the species and using the most effective methods to get rid of them is essential for effective ant control. To eliminate a colony of pavement ants, you will need to use bait stations to treat the nest and take steps to stop new ants from getting inside.

While ants are among the most common pest control issues, you may be making it easy for ants to wander into your home. Pavement ants and other insects usually get inside through tiny gaps, holes, and cracks around the doors, windows, or foundation of your home. Other things that attract ants to your home include leaving food out, plumbing leaks, and excessive moisture or humidity. 

It is important to identify the type of ants invading your home to find the best ways to get rid of those ants. Pavement ants are little reddish-brown to dark brown-colored ants that are often seen scurrying along pavement. They are about ⅛ inch long. These ants often build their nests near homes or in areas of the house that are built on concrete. The insects gain access to homes through cracks in concrete floors and gaps around doors and windows. Although pavement ants are usually less active in the winter months, they may come inside the house looking for food, especially if their nests are built under the house.

Outdoors, they can often be found alongside the pavement and in cracks in the sidewalk. Indoors, they are often found running along the floor at the edges of the walls. In the spring and summer, the ants enter their reproductive season. At this time, you may notice winged ants in the house for a few weeks. Swarms are often noticed near windows, as they are trying to get outside.

Identifying and eliminating these invaders quickly is essential, as colonies can grow to 10,000 ants. Most nests have one queen, but large colonies can have two. The ants release a chemical trail to lead other ants from the nest to food sources. When eliminating the ants, it is essential to get rid of the colony and not just the visible ants in the house. 

The most important thing to do when you discover pavement ants in your home is to locate the nest. These ants often build their nests under concrete slabs, stones, bricks, and mulch in your landscape. Inside the house, they may build their nests in wall voids, especially in warm and humid areas. You can follow the trail of ants to find the nest.

While ant sprays can eliminate visible ants, this method is not sufficient for eliminating the colony. Ant bait stations are an effective way to get rid of the colony, since ants will take the bait back to the nest to feed the queen and lead other ants to the bait via their chemical trail. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the bait stations, and place them near the trail of ants. If they have gotten into your kitchen cabinets or pantry, you may also want to try essential oils to naturally deter ants from invading your kitchen cabinets.

Once you have addressed your current ant problem, it is important to take steps to keep ants out of your home. Finding and sealing small holes, gaps, and cracks in your foundation and around windows can help prevent ants from getting inside. Eliminating their food sources can also help. Store food in tightly sealed containers, keep the kitchen clean, and fix small plumbing leaks to make your home less attractive to pests.