Pavement Ants in Cleveland
Pavement ants live in colonies with a social structure. Homes and buildings with slab-on-ground type construction are particularly prone to invasion by pavement ants. They build their nests beside and beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Swarms from mature colonies typically occur in the spring, though they can happen year-round if the nest is indoors. Ant swarmers are often mistaken for termites and can be a major nuisance when swarming inside commercial buildings. Their nests are constructed within pavements, walkways, and sidewalks next to structures, which frequently lead them indoors in search of food.
Pavement Ant Habitat
Pavement ants exhibit slow, deliberate movement, with their trails often seen at night leading to food sources. They usually nest outdoors in the ground under sidewalks, driveways, in the cracks of pavement, in lawns, and near the foundation of buildings. Inside, they will nest in walls, under floors, and in insulation. When building nests, they create soil mounds nearby, usually on the ground surface or next to patios or sidewalks. Indoors, pavement ants are frequently found in kitchen areas or patios, making nests inside wall voids, insulation, or under flooring. Pavement ants enter a home or building through any natural opening or even the smallest crack in the slab or the foundation wall.
Pavement Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Pavement ants can bite and sting, but they rarely target humans. As nuisance pests, they generate unsightly debris piles on driveways, sidewalks, and within commercial buildings. Pavement ants can invade homes and businesses in large numbers, contaminating food supplies. They forage for food in kitchens, pantries, and other areas where food is stored or prepared, potentially spreading bacteria and other pathogens. If nests are not treated promptly, pavement ants can spread and form new colonies throughout a home or business.
If you notice signs of a pavement ant infestation, it’s recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.
