Pavement Ants Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are common invaders in Tennessee homes throughout the year, particularly during spring and summer. These small pests form colonies in cracks of pavement, driveways, walkways, and next to building foundations, earning them their name.
- Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length
- Color: Dark brown to black with lighter colored legs and antennae
- Shape: Segmented body with six legs and two antennae
- Active Season: Year-round, most active in spring and summer
- Lifespan: Queens can live several years; workers live a few months
- Reproduction Rate: Queens can lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime
What Do Pavement Ants Look Like?
Pavement ants are small, dark-colored insects with segmented bodies typical of most ant species. They have lighter colored legs and antennae compared to their dark brown or black bodies. A distinctive identifying feature is the volcano-shaped dirt piles they create around nest entrances. These ants move in trails when foraging for food and water.
Key Identifying Features
- Glossy black to dark reddish-brown coloring
- Males have partial wings and visible abdominal segments
- Females are larger with short wing pads
- Both genders are incapable of flight
Related Species
Pavement ants are sometimes confused with fire ants due to their similar nesting habits. However, fire ants are typically reddish in color and deliver a painful sting when provoked. Pavement ants may also be mistakenly called “sugar ants” or “grease ants” due to their attraction to these food sources, but these are actually different ant species.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Pavement ants can pose minor health risks to homeowners, primarily related to food contamination.
- Food contamination – Pavement ants can contaminate food sources they come into contact with
- Allergic reactions – Some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions to their bites
- Stress and anxiety – Large infestations can cause psychological discomfort for homeowners
Property Damage
While pavement ants typically cause less structural damage than some other pests, they can still create problems.
- Foundation damage – Extensive nesting can weaken soil around foundations
- Pavement deterioration – Continued nesting in cracks can expand existing damage to driveways and walkways
- Insulation damage – Indoor nests may damage wall insulation and create entry points for other pests
Where to Look for Pavement Ants in Your Home
Pavement ants typically enter homes in search of food and shelter. Look for them along baseboards, in kitchen areas, around heating sources, and near entry points. Indoor nests are commonly found inside walls, in insulation, under flooring, or near masonry walls of the foundation.
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when you notice persistent ant trails inside your home, multiple volcano-shaped mounds around your property’s pavement, or if ants return despite your prevention efforts. Do not disturb suspected pavement ant nests, as they may bite when agitated or could potentially be more aggressive species like fire ants. If you’ve tried sealing cracks along your home’s exterior, trimming tree limbs that touch your house, and maintaining proper food storage and cleanliness without success, it’s time to contact professional pest control services.
