Pavement Ants

Tetramorium caespitum

Small, brown to black ant 1/16-1/8-inch long that nests beneath concrete slabs

Description:

Pavement ants are common around homes and commercial facilities constructed on concrete slabs. Pavement ants are frequently found foraging along walkways, patios and porch stoops especially where cracks or expansion joints exist. They feed on a variety of items such as dead insects, food spillage and even discarded cigarette butts. Many times, pavement ants can be found carrying bits of food through cracks to their subterranean nests.

Biology and Behavior:

• Small, black, shiny ant 1/16-1/8-inch long
• Colonies are smaller than similar ant species but can number into the thousands 
• Workers, when viewed with a hand lens, have small grooves on their heads 
• Head is large and usually wider than their bodies
• Workers are capable of biting and stinging but is uncommon 
• Nests beneath concrete slabs, pavement and occasionally in hollow block voids
• Can nest under landscaping stones, stepping stones, walkways and patios
• Workers can forage great distances to a food source
• Will feed on almost anything (omnivorous)

Control Tips:

• Remove food and moisture sources (i.e., leaky faucets and hoses, pet bowls)
• Remove garbage daily and store refuse-holding containers outside
• Fill concrete slab and foundation cracks with an epoxy sealant
• Treat plant-feeding insects with an approved insecticide
• Fill window and door frame gaps and utility openings with a sealant 
• Wash ant trails with a mild detergent to eliminate pheromone cues

Action Pest Control Services

• TermaPest^®
• Commercial Pest Management Services
• Industrial Pest Management Services
• Pest Proofing