pavement ant

Tetramorium caespitum

Characteristics –
Size: About 1/8-inch long.

Color: Brown.

Pavement ants are regular pests of buildings throughout the northeast to the Midwestern United States. This ant is also found along the West Coast from California to Washington.

Behavior – Individual pavement colonies can often be controlled using ant baits, but perimeter inspection and treatment are commonly necessary for long-term relief.

Habitat – This ant's name is derived from its preference for nesting in soil next to and beneath slabs, sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Colonies are usually easy to find due to the piles of displaced soil next to and on top of pavement. Indoors, pavement ants nest under the foundation and within hollow block foundation walls. Occasionally, a colony may carry soil up into a wall to form a nest. When piles of soil appear from under baseboards or on top of a basement or garage floor, it is a good sign that pavement ants may be present.

Tips for Control – These tips will help prevent a pavement ant infestation:

	Seal cracks and holes in the exterior of the home to prevent ants and other pests from entering.
	Keep vegetation cut away from the foundation of the home.
	Avoid using items such as stones and landscape timbers next to the home's foundation. Pavement ants nesting under these items are likely to infest the home.

	Keep layers of mulch in landscape beds less than two inches thick and at least 12 inches away from the foundation.

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