Scientific name: Tetramorium caespitum
If you have ever walked along a sidewalk and seen a massive swarm of writhing ant bodies, then you have seen pavement ants. Pavement ants are small, about the size of the camera hole on your smart phone, and are black to dark brown in color. Their six legs are often a bit lighter than the rest of their body. If disturbed, a pavement ant will try to bite you, but their mandibles have a hard time piercing skin. If you do get bit, you will feel a pinch.
General Information
Like their name suggests, pavement ants build their cone shaped nests along the cracks of sidewalks and driveways. They can also be found under rocks, logs and paving stones. No matter where they nest, the entrance to their colony will always look like a cone with an entry indent. Larger colonies will have multiple entry areas. Pavement ant colonies can house upwards of 10,000 individuals. Each colony can have more than one queen, so egg production in pavement ant colonies is higher than other ant species. Pavement ants consume other insects that are alive or dead. They will also eat meat, greasy foods, cereals, and sugar. If your kitchen is built on the ground floor, you will see ant forming a line whenever crumbs are found. Pavement ants can build their nests under carpet, flooring, and inside of wall voids.
Signs of an Infestation
The best sign of a pavement ant infestation is the presence of the ants. One of the most effective ways for reducing the number of ants coming into your home is by always cleaning up any food spills. Scout pavement ants are always on the lookout for food and will bring a host of workers whenever a crumb is found.
Treatment
Since pavement ant colonies have more than one queen, a colony can replace fallen ant workers quickly. If you want real results in ant control, Pointe Pest Control is your answer. We have been in the ant eliminate business for a long time. When you call us you are putting our years of experience to work for you. When want the ants gone, you need the professionals with Pointe Pest Control.