Pavement Ants
Tetramorium caespitum
Pavement ants get their name because they make nests in or under cracks in pavement. These dark brown to black ants can also infest structures.
Pest Stats
Color
Dark brown to blackish
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size
1/8"
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found throughout U.S.
Pavement Ant Photos
Videos View All Videos
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Watch this video highlighting the basics on the number one nuisance pest in America - ants.
-
Watch this video to learn where ants are most commonly found in homes and advice on how to get rid of ants.
-
Watch this video to learn how to prevent ants and what to do if you have ants in your home.
-
How are ants able to carry such large crumbs? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, explains. Discover additional information about ants and ant control.
-
What attracts ants to my kitchen counter? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, discusses why ants tend to march into the heart of the home. Visit the Ants Pest Guide to learn more about the common types of ants.
Pavement ants get their name because they make nests in or under cracks in pavement. These dark brown to black ants can also infest structures.
Pest Stats
Color
Dark brown to blackish
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size
1/8"
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found throughout U.S.
Videos View All Videos
-
Watch this video highlighting the basics on the number one nuisance pest in America - ants.
-
Watch this video to learn where ants are most commonly found in homes and advice on how to get rid of ants.
-
Watch this video to learn how to prevent ants and what to do if you have ants in your home.
-
How are ants able to carry such large crumbs? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, explains. Discover additional information about ants and ant control.
-
What attracts ants to my kitchen counter? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, discusses why ants tend to march into the heart of the home. Visit the Ants Pest Guide to learn more about the common types of ants.
Habits
These black ants will eat almost anything. Pavement ants have been known to consume insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. They forage in trails for distances of up to 30 feet and are known to climb masonry walls that enter into occupied areas.
Habitat
In buildings, pavement ants are most likely to be found in ground-level masonry walls, but they also nest in walls, insulation and under floors. Outside, these black ants typically nest under stones, pavement cracks and next to buildings.
Threats
These black pavement ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. If you notice pavement ants in your property, contact an ant pest control specialist.
If you're interested in learning more about pavement ants, including prevention information and facts, contact a pest control expert.
Pavement Ant Prevention
Pests, such as pavement ants, are attracted to moisture. To prevent black pavement ants, eliminate standing water around the home. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pavement ants use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around your house. Ensure firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home because pavement ants like to build nests in stacks of wood. Indoors, clean up spills and crumbs on counter tops and kitchen floors.
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