Pavement ants are commonly found under stone slabs, driveways and
walkways. The pavement ant is commonly found in urban areas under
sidewalks, concrete slabs, bricks and logs. They often tend to find
their way into homes and that is when they become a real problem for
most homeowners.
Let’s dive right in.
The Common Pest Known as Pavement Ants
These soil nesting ants tend to nest through cracks or gaps inpavement. By doing so they create small piles of sand on the surfaceof the nest and tunnels which is a clear sign that they are present.
The pavement ants scientific designation (or Latin name) isTetramorium Caespitum. There are several species that go by thisname as well which can be found in similar conditions.
This species is known as the sugar ant in some parts of NorthAmerica. Tetramorium species are really known to like sugar sources.And therefore been given the nickname “sugar ants”.
Pavement ants are native to Europe but were introduced in NorthAmerica at the beginning of the 19th century where they have thrived. They are considered an invasive species in North America that has become very common having adapted well to urban environments and human food sources.
They Use Our Habitat to Survive
Pavement ants have learned to use our habitat to survive. This
species does have a stinger to defend itself from other ants and insects
but the stinger is not strong enough to pierce human skin. Because of
this species is not regarded as dangerous to humans.
The worker ants are small and range from 2.5 – 5mm in size. While
the queen will range from 7-9mm. Pavement ants and other
Tetramorium species usually have only one queen which will raise it’s
colony.
More Than One Queen
In rare cases Pavement ants will have more than one queen in a
colony. Usually this will result in one of the queens being killed off by
the workers.
This species is a host to a parasitic ant known as Tetramorium
Inquilium. This parasitic ant spends its life clinging onto the workers
and even commonly on the queens. This parasitic species lacks a
worker class and the queens and males will rely solely on the
pavement ants for food. This makes them the ultimate parasitic ant.
Well Known for Invading Homes
This species is well known for invading homes and buildings to find
food. Pavement ants will eat almost anything ranging from meats to
dead insects as well as many other sugary foods.
Having adapted to modern habitats the Pavement ants have also learned
to found their nest’s near-permanent food sources. Unlike other species
of ants, they have become highly urbanized. And once a food source is
found within buildings or homes they will establish a trail to the
food.
Pavement Ants Ventilate Their Nests
In summer when the weather gets really hot Pavement ants will dig
further down and will create piles of soil or sand above the surface of
the pavement. They will dig tunnels between gaps in the concrete and
stone to create ventilation for their nests.
This species will attempt to conquer new territory and even invade
other ant nests which results in large sidewalk battles. Often leaving
thousands of ants dead. This is very impressive considering the small
size of this species.
Well Established Colonies
The average colony will reach between 3000 to 10,000 ants. This
species rarely exceeds 50,000 in the wild. The well-established
colonies will easily reach into the thousands creating large trails when
foraging. Their nests reach a depth of 60 to 90 centimetres below
ground.
Pavement ants will hibernate throughout the winter months from
October to March. This species, like nearly all ants, go dormant for
many months. According to some studies, an individual worker can
live up to five years. This is remarkable considering that most
species live less than a year and some for just a few months.
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