Pavement Ant Exterminator
Pavement ants, also known as pavement ants, are common insects that live in outdoor concrete spaces and urban areas. Although these insects are harmless to humans, they can cause environmental damage and become a nuisance when they invade homes and buildings. A pavement ant invasion in a home can be difficult to manage and often requires quick action to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Description of Pavement Ants
This species of ant is often found on concrete sidewalks and driveways in urban areas. They are also known as sidewalk ants. These insects are small in size, usually measuring between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters in length.
They are light brown to yellow in color and have a slender, elongated body with prominent antennae and mandibles. Pavement ants live in highly organized and hierarchical colonies, with workers performing most colony tasks, including food collection and larval care.
These insects feed on a variety of foods, including fats, proteins, and sugars, and they are often attracted to food waste left behind by humans. Although not considered dangerous to humans, they can cause problems if they infest buildings, as they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and germs.
Why do pavement ants tend to invade a house?
There are several reasons why pavement ants can invade a house:
- Foraging: Pavement ants will invade the kitchen and food storage areas. If they find a food source, they can leave pheromones to tell their friends where to find food;
- Search for water: these insects need water to survive. If they don’t find enough water outside, they can look for water in houses, such as sinks or bathrooms;
- Seeking shelter from the weather: these ants may invade a home to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions, such as storms or heavy rains;
- Searching for new territories: These insects may seek to establish new colonies and explore new territories, including homes.
How to get rid of pavement ants in your house?
Here are some tips you can follow to get rid of pavement ants in your home:
- Eliminate food sources: Pavement ants therefore look for food in the kitchen and food storage areas. Thoroughly clean kitchen surfaces, store food in airtight containers and empty garbage cans regularly;
- Eliminate water sources: repair water leaks, wipe down sinks and bathtubs after use and avoid leaving standing water in cups under plants or in saucers under pots;
- Seal potential entrances: Pavement ants can enter the house through small openings and cracks. Seal all possible entrances with appropriate caulking or sealants;
- Use natural repellents: Essential oils, such as peppermint, lemon, or eucalyptus, can be used as natural repellents. Place a few drops of essential oil on cotton swabs and place them in areas where ants have been seen;
- Use poison bait: This method is effective in getting rid of colonies of pavement ants. Baits contain substances that are carried into the colony by the workers and eventually kill the queen and other colony members;