Pavement Ant
Tetramorium caespitum
Pavement ants often enter households when foraging for food and become nuisances. The nests are generally difficult to locate and as a result, control is geared toward individual ants or groups of ants. Pavement ants nest inside near a heat source during the winter months.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Nests are often difficult to locate.
- Dig out sand in pavement to vent the nests.
- Located under sidewalks, building slabs, and large rocks.
- Common to see sand piles and small soil particles in these structures.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Hymenoptera | Formicidae | |
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| Size: | 1/10-1/8 inch (2-3mm) |
| Color: | Brown to Black in color |
| Characteristics: | Two spines on the back, two nodes on the petiole, and grooves on the head and thorax. Pale legs and a black abdomen. Can contaminate foods. |
| Geographic Range: | Found in all areas of the U.S. Most common/thrive in the eastern U.S., parts of California, and the Mid-West. |
| Food: | Feed on live and dead insects, honeydew from aphids, meats, grease, household foods, seeds, bread, etc. |
| Biology: | During the early spring, pavement ants attack nearby enemy colonies in attempt to conquer new areas. Often invade and colonize seemingly impenetrable areas, due to their aggressive nature. Also, they become numerous in short periods of times when around a kitchen or outside on a patio when entering households looking for food. |
Prevention Tips For
Ants
Ants
- Clean up spills immediately
- Reduce moisture in the building/home
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Keep bushes and plants trimmed away from the home/roof
- Replace mulch against building with pea gravel
- Re-caulk windows and doors as needed
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
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