Hogarth's Pest Control specializes in all types of industries, residential and commercial.
If you have ever noticed ant hills protruding between cracks on the sidewalk? Those are pavement ant hills, and they are a common pest in rural areas as well as urban. These ants, dark brown to black in color, can also infest homes and structures, but do not destroy them as carpenter ants do. Pavement ants are found all around the midwest. They’re about a half an inch long with two nodes with a red-brown head and thorax. These ants nest outside under rocks, at the edge of the pavement, door stoops and patios. They move their colonies inside between the foundation and the sill plate.
Pavement ants most commonly feed on other insects and seeds; but, they will eat almost anything. They have been known to consume honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts, and cheese. These ants forage in trails for distances up to 30 feet and are known to climb masonry walls that enter into occupied areas. They store debris in their colonies, and when it’s time to expand, they will kick the debris into piles made up of sand, seed coats, parts of dead insects, and sawdust. Pavement ants are not challenging to get rid of, and with proper inspection and identification, Hogarth’s can eradicate these ants promptly.
Avoiding infestation:
- Remove stones that could be sheltering ants. Practice proper indoor sanitation and eliminate moist garbage. Caulk observed ant entrance points.
Pavement Ant Prevention
Pests such as these are attracted to moisture. To prevent them, eliminate standing water around the home or structure. Keep branches and other plants cut back as well. Sometimes pavement ants use these branches to gain access to a structure. Ensure that there are no cracks or other small openings around your house. Make sure that you do not store firewood and building materials next to your home, as pavement ants build nests in stacks of wood. Indoors, clean up spills and crumbs on countertops and kitchen floors.
If you believe to be suffering from pavement ants, do not hesitate to give us a call at (231) 264-6060. We have been keeping sidewalks ant-free in Northern Michigan for 25 years!
