Pavement ants are one of the most common ant species in BC, and understanding their causes and how to get rid of them is the first step to effective control. This guide covers why pavement ants appear, how to identify them, and the most effective riddance measures.
What Causes Pavement Ant Infestations?
Pavement ants nest under concrete slabs, patios, driveways, sidewalks, and building foundations. They’re attracted to BC properties by three main factors: food availability, moisture, and suitable nesting conditions near the building. Properties with accessible food sources (unsealed bins, pet food left out, kitchen scraps), moisture near the foundation, and concrete or stone surfaces near the building are at highest risk.
How to Identify Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small (2-3mm), dark brown to black, with lighter legs. Their defining characteristic is nesting under pavement — you’ll often see characteristic sand mounds pushed up through cracks in driveways and patios during summer. Inside, they trail in large numbers across kitchen floors and counters, attracted to almost any food including grease, sweets, crumbs, and pet food.
Effective Riddance Measures for Pavement Ants
Gel bait: The most effective pavement ant control method. Slow-acting gel bait placed along active trails allows workers to carry the product back to the colony, eliminating the queen within 7-14 days. Do not spray insecticides alongside bait stations.
Perimeter treatment: Residual insecticide applied along the foundation perimeter prevents foraging ants from entering the building.
Entry point sealing: Caulk cracks around the foundation, pipe penetrations, and under doors. This permanently blocks the routes pavement ants use to enter.
Sanitation: Remove food sources that attract foraging ants: store food in sealed containers, clean up spills immediately, keep pet food off the floor overnight, and seal outdoor bins.
Moisture reduction: Fix leaking pipes and improve drainage near the foundation. Moist soil near the building creates ideal pavement ant nesting conditions.
Top Line Pest Control provides professional pavement ant and carpenter ant control across BC. Read our guide on ant control in BC or contact us today for a free assessment.