Pavement Ants
Tetramorium caespitum
Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants measuring 2.5-4mm. They have parallel grooved lines on their head and thorax, visible under magnification. Their most distinctive behavior is creating...
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How to Identify Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants measuring 2.5-4mm.
Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants measuring 2.5-4mm. They have parallel grooved lines on their head and thorax, visible under magnification. Their most distinctive behavior is creating small mounds of displaced soil along sidewalk cracks, driveway edges, and foundation walls.
Pavement Ants Behavior & Habits
Understanding how pavement ants behave helps prevent infestations
Pavement ants build colonies beneath sidewalks, driveways, building foundations, and concrete slabs. A single colony can contain 3,000-4,000 workers with multiple queens. They're most active in spring when colonies expand and in summer when foraging intensifies. They enter homes through cracks in foundations seeking water, grease, and sweet foods.
Pavement Ants Risks & Dangers
What pavement ants can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Pavement ants are nuisance pests and don't pose significant health risks. However, they can contaminate food and their presence indicates potential entry points that other pests could use.
Property Damage
While they don't cause structural damage, large colonies can displace significant amounts of soil beneath foundations, potentially affecting drainage patterns.
Signs of Pavement Ants Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Pavement Ants in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Pavement ants are the most common ant species in Boise and the Treasure Valley. They thrive in Idaho's dry climate and become especially active in spring as soil temperatures rise. Most Boise homeowners encounter them between March and October.
How We Eliminate Pavement Ants
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Our pavement ant treatment targets the entire colony, not just visible workers. We apply specialized baits that foragers carry back to the queen and use perimeter barriers to prevent re-infestation. Complete colony elimination typically occurs within 48-72 hours.
How to Prevent Pavement Ants
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Pavement Ants Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
How do I know if I have pavement ants?
Look for small dirt mounds along sidewalk cracks or your foundation. You may also see trails of small, dark ants leading to food sources in your kitchen.
Why do pavement ants come inside?
Pavement ants enter homes seeking water, food (especially grease and sweets), and shelter. They often follow plumbing lines and cracks in foundations.
Are pavement ants dangerous?
Pavement ants are not dangerous but are a nuisance. They can contaminate food and their presence often indicates entry points other pests could use.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category