| Scientific name | Tetramorium immigrans |
|---|---|
| Group | Ants |
| Size | 2.5–4 mm (up to about 0.16 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Kitchen, Basement or garage and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The pavement ant is a tiny member of the ants group. Elbowed antennae and a pinched waist with one or two nodes. Check for these three features:
- Parallel grooves on the head and thorax
- Two small spines on the back of the thorax
- Small mounds of sand along pavement cracks
About this bug
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.
You'll usually find pavement ants in the kitchen, in basements and garages and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Pavement ants have a weak sting that rarely bothers people; they are mainly a nuisance.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
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.
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.
What to do about it
- 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
Read the full guide: how to get rid of pavement ants.
Bugs that look similar
Where found: look for pavement ants in the kitchen, in basements and garages and in lawns and grass; odorous house ants turn up in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
Size: Carpenter Ants are larger, reaching 13 mm, while pavement ants top out around 4 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a pavement ant look like?
Parallel grooves on the head and thorax. Adults measure 2.5–4 mm (up to about 0.16 in).
Does the pavement ant bite or sting?
It does not bite. It can sting. Pavement ants have a weak sting that rarely bothers people; they are mainly a nuisance.
Where do pavement ants live?
Pavement Ants live in the kitchen, in basements and garages and in lawns and grass.
When are pavement ants most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.