How to Get Rid of Pavement Ants
A dark brown ant that nests under sidewalks, driveways and slabs, pushing up small piles of sand. Colonies fight noisy battles on pavement in spring. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and in basements and garages, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Seal cracks in slabs and the foundation where ants enter
- Use protein or grease baits near trails
- Keep pet food off the floor and sweep regularly
Pavement ants have a weak sting that rarely bothers people; they are mainly a nuisance.
Confirm you have pavement ants
Start by confirming the bug. Pavement Ants have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 2.5–4 mm (up to about 0.16 in) and are usually brown and black. Look for these features:
- Parallel grooves on the head and thorax
- Two small spines on the back of the thorax
- Small mounds of sand along pavement cracks
They are most often confused with odorous house ant and carpenter ant. See the full pavement ant profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have pavement ants
Pavement Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see pavement ants
Pavement Ants are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: kitchen, basement or garage and lawn or grass.
Step-by-step: getting rid of pavement ants
Step 1: Seal cracks in slabs
Seal cracks in slabs and the foundation where ants enter. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 2: Use protein or grease baits near trails
Use protein or grease baits near trails. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Keep pet food off the floor
Keep pet food off the floor and sweep regularly. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see pavement ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep pavement ants from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Pavement ants have a weak sting that rarely bothers people; they are mainly a nuisance.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About ants
The pavement ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of pavement ants?
Seal cracks in slabs and the foundation where ants enter. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are pavement ants dangerous?
Pavement ants have a weak sting that rarely bothers people; they are mainly a nuisance.
When are pavement ants most active?
Pavement Ants are most active in spring and summer.
What do pavement ants look like?
Parallel grooves on the head and thorax. Adults measure 2.5–4 mm (up to about 0.16 in).