How do I permanently get rid of pavement ants?

Permanently eliminating pavement ants requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that targets their nests, queens, and entry points while also implementing long-term preventative measures.

Understanding Pavement Ants

Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are small, dark brown to black ants, typically measuring about 1/8 inch long. They are commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, rocks, and in concrete slabs, but they can also invade homes in search of food and water. Recognizing their trails and nesting sites is the first step toward effective control.

Indoor Eradication Strategies

When pavement ants venture indoors, the most effective long-term solution is to eliminate the colony's queen. Without the queen, the colony cannot reproduce and will eventually die out.

• Locating and Targeting the Queen: While directly finding the queen can be challenging, the best approach indoors is to use ant baits. Workers will carry the poisoned bait back to the nest, feeding it to the queen and other ants, thus eradicating the colony from within.
  • Place gel or granular baits along ant trails, near entry points, or wherever you see ant activity.
  • Ensure the bait is attractive to pavement ants (they prefer greasy, sugary, and protein-based foods).
  • Be patient; it can take several days to a few weeks for the bait to eliminate the entire colony.
• Immediate Clean-up: While waiting for baits to work, promptly clean up any ant trails with a soapy water solution to disrupt their pheromone trails. This can temporarily confuse them and reduce new ant entries.

Outdoor Treatment and Nest Control

Pavement ants typically establish their primary nests outdoors. Directly treating these nests is crucial for reducing their population around your home.

• Direct Nest Treatment: If you discover pavement ant nests in your lawn, garden beds, or landscape, you can directly treat them. A suitable product for this purpose is Ortho® Home Defense® Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Ready-to-Spray.
  • Follow the package directions precisely for application rates and safety precautions.
  • Spray the product directly onto visible nests, ensuring thorough saturation to reach ants within the colony.
  • This method provides a quick knockdown of active nests.
• Perimeter Treatments: Apply a residual insecticide around the foundation of your home, creating a barrier that ants must cross. This can deter them from entering your living space.

Building an Ant-Blocking Barrier

Creating a physical and chemical barrier around your home is a key step in permanent pavement ant control, preventing future invasions.

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home's foundation, windows, and doors for any cracks or openings. Seal these with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping to block ant access.
2. Repair Damaged Screens: Ensure all window and door screens are intact and properly fitted.
3. Trim Vegetation: Keep tree branches, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed back from your house, as they can serve as bridges for ants to access your home.
4. Clear Debris: Remove leaf litter, mulch, firewood, and other debris from around your foundation, as these can provide sheltered nesting sites close to your home.

Long-Term Prevention for Lasting Results

Maintaining a clean and well-maintained environment both indoors and outdoors is critical for preventing future pavement ant infestations.

• Sanitation is Key:
  • Wipe down kitchen counters and tables regularly.
  • Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Empty trash cans frequently.
  • Rinse out recyclables before placing them in bins.
• Eliminate Moisture Sources: Pavement ants are attracted to moisture. Repair leaky pipes, faucets, and ensure proper drainage around your home's foundation.
• Outdoor Maintenance: Regularly inspect your yard for new ant activity or nests, especially in spring and fall when ants are most active. Address any new infestations promptly.

Summary of Strategies

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're dealing with a large, persistent infestation, or if you're unable to locate and treat the source effectively, consider contacting a professional pest control service. They have access to more powerful treatments and specialized knowledge to permanently eradicate stubborn pavement ant colonies.