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Pavement Ants

CHARACTERISTICS
Size: Color:
Up to 5/8-inch long. Brown.
Pavement ants are identifiable by the grooves on the head and thorax.

Behaviour

Pevement ant usually nest in soil next to and beneath slabs, sidewalks. patios, and driveways. They may carry soil up into a wall to form a nest.

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 plies of displaced soil next to and on top of pavement. Indoors, pavement ants nest under the foundation and within hollow block foundationwalls. 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

Individual pavement colonies can often be controlled using ant baits, but perimeter inspection and treatment are commonly necessary for long-term relief. Pavement ant colonies are controlled by direct-treatment of nests in the soil. Where colonies are located under slabs, ant baits may be successful in controlling an infestation. If baits are unsucessful, the slab may need to be drilled and treated underneath. 

These tips will help you limit 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 intems 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.