Pavement Ants

Tetramorium caespitum

Pavement ants are the most common species of ants. They get their name because they build their nests in or under cracks in pavement, as well as under sidewalks, driveways, and building slabs. When they build their nests, they usually displace the dirt around them, resulting in little piles of dirt around their nests.

Color	Dark brown to blackish
Legs	6
Shape	Segmented; oval
Size	1/8"
Antennae	True

Pavement Ant Habits

Pavement ants are outdoor dwellers, and they generally only invade buildings when foraging for food. These ants will eat almost anything, from honeydew and nectar to meats, cheeses, and ice cream.

Do Pavement Ants Bite?

Pavement ants do not bite, but they do have the ability to sting. However, these ants are docile and prefer not to use their stingers unless they have to.

Do Pavement Ants Live In Houses?

These ants are unlikely to live indoors. They prefer to live outdoors and only come inside to forage for food.

Can Pavement Ants Cause Structural Damage?

Unlike some other ant species, pavement ants are not known to cause structural damage.

Preventing a Pavement Ant Infestation

Pavement ants forage for food, so the best way to prevent an infestation is to make sure all your food is securely closed and put away. Never leave any food sources out in the open and clean up any spills as quickly as possible. To prevent ants from entering your home, be sure to seal up all cracks in your home, including in windows and your foundation.

Signs You Have a Pavement Ant Infestation

When building their nests, pavement ants remove dirt from their tunnels and pile it up outside their nests. These little mounds reveal where nests are built and can be a sign of an infestation.

Getting Rid of a Pavement Ant Infestation

Ant bait and ant dust are both effective methods to get rid of pavement ants, as they’re foragers who are happy to eat anything that’s in their path. Spraying, however, will be ineffective since they live outside and will not be affected.

To properly treat a pavement ant infestation, get help from professionals. For a customized treatment plan, contact the Stark team using the form below.