Pavement ants
Pavement ants saw the road and said, ‘Yeah, we’ll take the whole block"
What do pavement ants look like?
One of the most common ants found in Ontario is the pavement ant. These small ants measure between 2.5-3mm in length and are typically pale brown or black in color. They can be identified by the fine, parallel lines on their head and thorax, which have a slight groove. Pavement ants also have a petiole with two nodes connecting the thorax and abdomen, as well as a single pair of thoracic spines. Because they have only one pair of spines, their thorax appears uneven, making this a distinguishing feature of the species.
Where do pavement ants nest?
The pavement ant lives up to its name as they are often spotted around sidewalks, along the foundation of buildings, on driveways, or anywhere concrete or paved. In warm weather they will nest outside, but when it gets cold they will invade homes to survive the winter. While outdoors, they will nest in slabs of concrete, under patio rocks, or in the cracks of driveways/sidewalks. When indoors, they prefer to nest in humid areas and near heat sources, such as areas near hot water lines, in wall voids, or in insulation.
What do Pavement ants eat
Pavement ants will eat a variety of foods from greasy foods, sweets, meat, bread, cheese, and more. They are trailing ants, which means they will leave a scent to the food source, and they will line up at the food source. One of the first signs of infestation is seeing the ants trailing from uncovered food.
What are the risks of having a pavement ant infestation?
1.
Potential food contamination
​Like many species of ants, they pose a contamination risk to the human food they encounter. Foraging for food can often lead ants into unsanitary environments and they can transfer contaminants to uncovered food in your kitchen. If you're spotting ants in your kitchen, it is a sign of infestation that should not be ignored. It's important to act by ensuring food is properly covered to prevent contamination, and to contact pest control experts for treatment.
2.
Possibility of Re-occurrence
​If a pavement ant infestation is left untreated, they may return every fall and winter. If they were able to nest safely and undisturbed in a location, they'll be likely to return and become a reoccurring nuisance. It is important to contact pest control professionals to properly eliminate the pavement ant activity so they don't come back.
How to get rid of pavement ants?
If you have noticed pavement ants inside or around your home, it is time to call in the pest control experts! Rural Routes Pest Control can help provide control for the ant activity you are experiencing.
for more information about our ant control services.