People can generally recognize an ant when they see one, as the species often share characteristics. Ants are found around the world, and some require specific climates, as a result, different species are often found in a localized area, though ants are not limited to manmade boundaries. Throughout California, for example, there are several ant species, among the most common is the pavement ant. With that in mind, we at Animal Pest Management would like to take the opportunity to elaborate on pavement ants.
Pavement Ants Identification
Pavement ants average about 1/8th in length, pavement ants vary in color from light brown to black and have lighter appendages compared to the rest of their body. Another coloration distinction are the parallel lines on the head that lead to the thorax. With a three segmented club, pavement ants’ antennae are 12-segmented.
Where Do Pavement Ants Live & What Do They Eat?
Common habitats of the pavement ant are underneath driveways, patios, and sidewalks, where they hide in these areas to build their colony. Because of their preferred nesting grounds, it is convenient and easy to get inside buildings. These ants include dead insects in their diet, but favor sweets and proteins they can pilfer from people. Pavement ants look for pet food, food in the trash, crumbs left behind, and in open food containers after they stealthily slip their way through the cracks and gaps of foundations, concrete slabs, the basement floors, and walls. Should they continue to find a convenient food source, they will be motivated to stay.
Pavement Ant Nests
Beneath patio blocks, stones, bricks, and logs are also common nesting grounds for the pavement ant. Mulch materials are another application where they will nest under. If they nest indoors, they tend to be attracted to the wall’s insulation and under floors, making it difficult to find their precise location of the heart of the nest. You need professional assistance for effective elimination if pavement ants are infesting your home. You will frequently see their mounds of piled dirt around infested areas outside.
Do Pavement Ants Bite?
Generally, pavement ants are docile and a nuisance, but they will bite if provoked. Pavement ants are omnivorous, and as mentioned, have a weakness for sweets and meats. When they can’t get human sweets, they will eat living and dead insects, grease, and honeydew from aphids.
Pavement Ant Caste; Queen, Workers & Swarmers
In pavement ant colonies, there are multiple queens and thousands of workers. After the queen’s eggs hatch, the workers will take care of the brood until they mature. These broods are transferred from location to location, to protect them from fluctuations in moisture and temperature. The larval eventually grow into pupal stages until they become mature adult. The swarmers, featuring wings that shed, are active during June and July, where these males and females mate. Often, the females will look to expand their colony and continue the cycle of life.
Ant Pest Inspection, Control & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
If you are experiencing pavement ants, or any other ant or pest infestation, call Animal Pest Management and let our experts eliminate them effectively and in a timely manner. Call us today to get started!
