Why Are There Pavement Ants On My South Portland Property?
Finding pavement ants in South Portland is common. They get their name due to their nest building inside cracks in the pavement. These pests range from dark brown to black in color, have six legs and two antennae. Like other ant species, they have segmented bodies. The average length of a pavement ant is 1/8 of an inch.
One of the most important pavement ant facts to know is that they eat just about anything. They'll consume most foods and even other insects. They tend to scale walls made of masonry to gain access inside a home. These ants forage in trails as long as 30 feet away from their colony.
What Attracts Pavement Ants?
Pavement ants are attracted to warm, moist places and typically nest outdoors. In addition to sidewalks and pavement, you may find them in logs, stones, and bricks. These ants also nest in the ground close to a home's foundation or underneath a mulch bed. One telltale sign of a pavement ant nest is noticing a small pile of dirt in a mound on the ground's surface.
If you see pavement ants in your house, it is because they have determined a food source. They'll feed on anything that contains sugar or protein, including most foods in your home. These ants also eat pet food, grease, pollen, and plant juices. Here are some of the common places they are found indoors:
- Near the space between the floor and an exterior door
- In bathrooms, specifically under the sink
- On kitchen counters, especially if there are spills and crumbs
- Around heat sources and hot water lines
- Near trash cans
At the first signs of an infestation, contact Big Blue Bug Solutions to get rid of pavement ants in your house.
The Best Way To Deter Pavement Ants
Making your home as unattractive to pavement ants as possible is the best way to deter these pests. Here are several steps to take to keep the bugs out:
- Clean kitchen countertops regularly, wiping up all spills and crumbs.
- Seal all cracks in your home's foundation.
- Eliminate standing water and fix leaky pipes.
- Repair any window screens and caulk any gaps in window framing.
- Trim tree branches to keep them away from your home (ants use them like bridges).
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Keep indoor and outdoor trash in a receptacle with a lid.
If you discover an infestation after taking these precautionary measures, it's time to call a pest control company to eliminate pavement ants from your home.
Getting Rid Of Pavement Ants Permanently
The best way to get rid of pavement ants in your house is to rely on professional pest control solutions. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we'll treat the infestation at its source and eliminate the entire colony. Our pest control treatments have protected homes throughout New England for over 80 years. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection.