Tetramorium caespitum
Characteristics
Size: About 1/8-inch long.
Color: Brown.
Pavement ants are identifiable by the grooves on the head and thorax.
Behaviour
Pavement ants 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 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
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 unsuccessful, the slab may need to be drilled and treated underneath.
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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a member of THE PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA