Pavement Ant: Tetramorium Caespitum

As their name indicates, Pavement Ants can usually be found in cracks in the pavement, along walkways, and under stones, as well as behind walls and under floors. These pests are a particular problem for homes with slab on grade construction. Pavements Ants search for food in and around homes all year long and prefer greasy or sweet foods, but aren't all that picky when it comes to a meal.

Pavement Ants coloring ranges from light brown to black, with legs lighter than their bodies and 12-segment antennae. Pavement Ants also have unique markings - parallel lines on their head and thorax. These ants measure about 1/10 of an inch long.

The Pavement Ant queen lays 5 to 20 eggs each day, which develop in about 40 days and evolve through three larval stages before reaching maturity.

Halt Bugology Factoid
The ants were likely carried to the United States in the holds of merchant vessels during the 1700s to 1800s. (Factoid Source: Steve Jacobs, Sr. Extension Associate, Penn State, College of Agricultural Science)

In this section of the Halt web site you’ll find the following information:

• Odorous House Ants - Habits, Appearance, Diet, etc.
• Odorous House Ant Behavior
• Managing Odorous House Ants
• Pavement Ants - Habits, Appearance, Diet, etc.
• Pavement Ant Behavior
• Managing Pavement Ants