Pavement ants are one of the most common species in the country. Because of this, people don’t often regard them as a problem and forget they are a pest. Pavement ants do have the ability to sting, but this is rare, and they are much more docile than other stinging species such as fire ants, which are aggressive. However, they are more of a nuisance than a danger. Pavement ants can still be a problem when they infest a home.
Pavement ants can be identified by:
Reddish-brown to black color
An oval-shaped and segmented body that is about 1/8th of an inch
Six legs and antenna
Because of how common these ants are, you should know more about them as a New Hampshire resident. Pavement ant colonies can frequently have over 10,000 workers, which are non-reproductive females. Like other species, pavement ant colonies are made up of workers, reproductive males, and queens. The name pavement ants come from their habit of nesting under and in the pavement; when they burrow under pavement, they create small dirt mounds, which is one sign that they are on your property.
Why Pavement Ants Are Problematic
Even though pavement ants aren’t considered dangerous like other species, such as carpenter ants or fire ants, they are still problematic for many reasons. Pavement ants will eat almost anything, which makes a residential property a buffet of food for them. Once inside a home, pavement ants can:
Contaminate food
Cause allergic reactions and affect asthma
Multiply quickly
So not only do pavement ants invade in large numbers, once they do, they will nest and reproduce even more. Because pavement ant colonies have multiple queens, their reproduction rate is rapid. With any pest that infests in large numbers, there will be problems getting rid of them. If the entire infestation is not taken care of, they will continue to reproduce and survive.
How To Prevent Pavement Ants
When it comes to home prevention tips for pavement ants, the best thing to do is eliminate the factors attracting them in the first place. These factors include food, water, and easy access.
Removing food and water sources:
Clean up crumbs and spills right away
Don’t let grease build up on your stove
Sweep and vacuum frequently
Don’t leave pet food or dirty dishes sitting around
Don’t let garbage pile up
Rinse bottles and cans before recycling them
Using garbage, recycling, and compost bins that have tight-fitting lids and wash them out when needed
Don’t let fruits and vegetables rot in your yard
Repair leaking faucets and pipes
Reducing easy access points:
Seal up the cracks in the foundation of your home
Fill cracks in the pavement around your home, including the patio and driveway
Trim the tree branches, so they are not touching your home
Another great way to prevent pavement ants from getting into your home is with routine inspections by professionals to ensure your property is not providing a conducive environment for these pests. When in doubt, ongoing pest control is the way to go.
How Master Mosquito Control Can Help
Over-the-counter (OTC) products boast their effectiveness when it comes to getting rid of ants, but the truth is that a lot of them are only bandages for a much larger problem. Sure some ant-killing spray will rid your home of a few hundred ants, but those are only the ones you can see, and there is a reason they are inside in the first place. So, instead of doing it yourself, contact the professionals at Master Mosquito Control for ant control assistance. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you on your New Hampshire property.