Small in size yet big in headaches, pavement ants create huge disturbances for home and commercial property owners. These ants, which are common in roads, sidewalks, and pavement cracks, are more than simply a nuisance; they can infiltrate buildings and enter interior spaces.
What are Pavement Ants?
The pavement ants, also called Tetramorium caespitum, are one of the most common species that originated in Europe but were able to spread throughout North America. They are dark brown to black, approximately 2.5-3 mm in length, and tend to form their nests under sidewalks, patios, and building foundations. Most of the time, you can find them in the small piles of soil or sand excavated upon digging tunnels.
What Problem Do They Create?
While pavement ants are not directly dangerous to humans, they can become quite a menace if left unchecked. Their colonies can be very big, with thousands of workers and multiple queens. As such, the heavy tunnelling and soil displacement may weaken the structure of sidewalks and driveways, leading to various cracks and instability after some time.
In addition, pavement ants tend to forage indoors for food in most summer periods. Once indoors, they contaminate food supplies and remain persistent pests due to their well-protected underground colonies.
Prevention and Control
Good property maintenance should be the first step in preventing pavement ants. Seal any cracks in pavement, sidewalks, and foundations to deny entry to potential nesting sites. Store food sources, especially sweet or greasy foods, in sealed containers and clean up immediately after use to eliminate foraging attractants.
However, for people already plagued by an infestation, professional control is more effective. Pavement ants can be pretty pesky to get rid of because they dwell in extensive underground nests. A professional will track down the cause and origin of the invasion and provide treatments aimed at destroying the colony so your house or workplace stays ant-free.
Importance of Timely Intervention
Ignoring infestations leads to long-term devastation that is expensive to repair. In addition to structural damage, these ants often become an ongoing nuisance rather quickly if not treated correctly. A rapid response, in combination with professional help, can prevent the spread of these insects and save your property from additional damage.
Takeaway
Pavement ants are tough to eradicate because they have enormous underground nests. A professional can identify where the infestation has come from and deliver appropriate, targeted treatments to eliminate the colony so that your home or business can remain free of ants.
If pavement ants are making your life difficult, Topline Pest Control can help. Contact Topline Pest Control today to schedule a thorough inspection and get expert assistance in keeping your property safe from these tiny invaders!
