Pavement Ant

Actual Size: 1/16″ to 1/8″

Characteristics: Light to dark brown to blackish; dark parallel lines run down the head and thorax.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: The reproductive males and females have wings.

Habitat: Nests are located in open soil or under stones and pavement, masonry or wood, near sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

Habits:

  • Prefers to feed on meat proteins and greasy foods.
  • Indoors, will construct nests in walls, insulation, and underneath floors.
  • Outdoors pavement ants nest under flat stones, sidewalks, and concrete slabs.

Pavement Ants in Vermont

Pavement ants construct nests beside and under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. In Vermont, pavement ants feed on meat, grease, dead insects, seeds, and sweets. However, their favorite food is the honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs. Swarms from mature pavement ant colonies occur in the spring but may occur continuously if the nest is located indoors. Swarmers of pavement ants may be mistaken for termites. As a result, their presence is alarming when they swarm in commercial buildings. They build their nests in pavement, walkways, and sidewalks next to structures, and consequently, they often invade nearby structures in search of food.

Pavement Ant Habitat

Pavement ants are nocturnal and move in slow deliberate motion. Trails are often seen at night going to and from food sources. True to their name, pavement ants nest under or near sidewalks, slabs, and concrete, making urban habitats ideal due to the lack of vegetation. When building nests, pavement ants place any soil removed in a mound near their nesting site. Mounds are usually discovered on the surface of the ground or next to a patio or sidewalk. Inside homes, ants tend to be found in kitchen areas or the patio, establishing nests inside wall voids, insulation, or under flooring.

Pavement Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Pavement ants rarely bite humans, although they can bite and sting. These ants are a nuisance pest because they create unattractive piles of dirt and debris on driveways, sidewalks, and inside commercial buildings. Pavement ants contaminate food as they forage into kitchens and pantries of homes. When nests are not treated, pavement ants will continue to spread throughout a home or business. If you suspect a pavement ant infestation, consult a professional ant exterminator.

Don’t wait until your home is overrun by ants. Contact Vermont Pest Control today!