Pest Library | Pavement Ants

Tetramorium caespitum

Pavement ant - Tetramorium caespitum
Color: Dark brown to blackish
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/8″
Antennae: Yes
Region:

Flying:

Throughout the U.S.

No

Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or under cracks in the pavement. They can infest structures.

Habits

These ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, sweets, honey, bread, meats, oil, nuts, and cheese.

Habitat

These ants live in or under pavement cracks. They push fine gravel up from their nest.

Threats

These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.

Prevention

Eliminate standing water. Pests, such as ants, are attracted to moisture. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.

* Information and image courtesy of the National Pest Management Association, Inc.; Penn State – College of Agricultural Sciences – Entomology


For more information on South Jersey Ants, check out the articles in AB-Con’s Bug Blog: