What Are Pavement Ants?
Pavement ants get their name from their nesting habits—they prefer to build colonies under pavement, sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. These small, dark brown to black ants are about ⅛ inch long and are among the most common ant species across North America.
Worker ants have a small stinger, though it rarely causes more than mild discomfort to humans. Winged drones and queen ants are roughly twice the size of workers and are responsible for reproduction and colony expansion.
You’ll often spot pavement ant nests by small mounds of dirt or sand near cracks in pavement or along foundations. A single colony can contain up to 10,000 worker ants and one queen, defending a territory that can stretch over 40 meters.
Are Pavement Ants Dangerous?
Although pavement ants possess stingers, they are not dangerous to humans or pets. The primary issue they cause is food contamination, as they readily invade kitchens and pantries in search of crumbs, sweets, and grease.
While they’re not a direct threat to your health or property, pavement ants are persistent and can quickly become a nuisance once they establish themselves indoors.
Tips To Prevent Pavement Ant Infestations
Like most pests, pavement ants are attracted to food and moisture. Reducing these attractants is key to keeping them away from your home or business. Here are a few effective prevention tips:
- Eliminate standing water around your property to reduce moisture sources.
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food promptly.
- Trim trees and shrubs so ants can’t use branches as bridges into your building.
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls, foundations, and around utility lines to block entry points.
- Store firewood and building materials away from your home, as these make excellent nesting sites.
Even with these precautions, pavement ants can be difficult to remove once established. Their deep underground colonies make it nearly impossible to destroy the nest without professional help.
How Epcon Lane Can Solve Your Ant Problem
At Epcon Lane Pest Control, our pest management professionals have the training, experience, and expertise to handle even the toughest pavement ant infestations. We use a science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that targets ants at the source while keeping your family and pets safe.
Whether you need a one-time treatment or year-round pest protection, our team will design a customized plan to fit your needs and budget. Since day one, our mission has been to provide exceptional, affordable, and lasting pest control for Akron homes and businesses.
Don’t let pavement ants take over your property—contact Epcon Lane today to learn more about our ant control services and schedule your inspection. We’ll help you eliminate the problem and keep your home pest-free for good.
