Pavement ants, the small, industrious insects often seen marching across sidewalks and driveways, can become a real nuisance when they invade homes. Understanding why these ants enter homes and the most effective ways to manage them is essential for homeowners looking to keep their living spaces ant free. Effective Pest Services will share why pavement ants may invade your home and how to get rid of these army like invaders.
Why Do Pavement Ants Invade Homes?
Pavement ants are foragers, always in search of food and water, which often leads them indoors. They typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, or other small openings. Once inside, they are attracted to:
• Sweet, greasy, or protein-rich foods.
• Excess moisture or standing water.
• Warmth, especially during colder months.
Identifying Pavement Ants
• Appearance: Pavement ants are small, about 1/8-inch long, and usually dark brown to black.
• Nesting Sites: They prefer to nest in soil but will nest indoors in walls, insulation, or under floors.
• Trails: These ants are known for creating well-defined trails, which they use to travel to and from food sources.
How to Get Rid of Pavement Ants
• Eliminate Access to Food: Store food in airtight containers and wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly to remove crumbs and spills. Keep pet food dishes clean and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Remove Standing Water: Repair leaky pipes and faucets. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to keep water away from your foundation.
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices. Seal them with caulk or another appropriate material. Install door sweeps and repair damaged window screens. Seal gaps around utility lines and pipes entering your home.
• Bait and Chemical Treatments: Ant baits can be effective as ants carry the bait back to the nest, targeting the colony. Place baits near ant trails or where you have seen activity. Insecticides can be used, but they should be a last resort. If choosing this route, opt for products specifically designed for ants and follow the instructions carefully.
• Natural Remedies: Diatomaceous earth, a powder made from fossilized organisms, can be sprinkled in areas where ants are active. It works by dehydrating the ants. A mixture of vinegar and water can be used to clean surfaces and disrupt ant trails.
• Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is large or persistent, professional pest control services may be necessary. They can provide more comprehensive and targeted solutions.
How to Prevent Pavement Ant Infestations
Preventing pavement ants from entering your home in the first place is often easier than trying to eliminate an infestation. In addition to the steps above, consider:
• Keeping shrubbery trimmed and away from your home.
• Storing firewood and building materials away from your home’s foundation.
• Regularly inspecting your home for signs of ant activity.
Ant Pest Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal & More in Wellington, Fort Collins, Timnath, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder, Johnstown, Berthoud, Estes Park & Loveland, CO | Northern Colorado
Pavement ants can be more than a mere annoyance when they invade your home. However, with diligent cleaning, sealing up entry points, and removing food and water sources, you can greatly reduce your chances of an infestation. If you are struggling to control the situation, don’t hesitate to call for professional help, call Effective Pest Services today.
