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A pavement ant showing the characteristic two node petiole, pair
of spines on thorax, and groves on head and thorax
(Actual size approx. 3 mm.)
Pavement ants are small ants about
1/8th inch long and dark brown to black in color. The
name for this ant comes from its habit of nesting under sidewalks and
driveways and piling dirt removed from the nest in a mound on top of
the pavement.
In addition to nesting under
sidewalks, pavement ants colonies can be found under
other items lying on top of the ground, including stones,
logs, boards, bricks and patio blocks. They may nest in open soil close
to building foundations or under mulch in landscaped beds. Only rarely
do the ants nest indoors in walls, under floors or in insulation.
Pavement
ants will feed on a wide variety of different foods,
though greasy and sweet materials are preferred. Worker
ants may forage for food up to 30 feet from the colony and readily set
up trails to and from food sources.
Control of pavement ants should begin
with an attempt to locate the nest site. Ants entering
buildings from outdoors can be discouraged by sealing
as many cracks and gaps in exterior walls as possible.
Also, correct poor foundation drainage and repair water
leaks. Working with a pest
management professional that
is trained in identifying and treating pavement ant infestations
is always the safest, most eco-friendly solution.
Source: Iowa State University, Department of Entomology
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