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Ants are one of the most common pests in Nashville. It can feel like they are everywhere, but you may not take the time to notice our area's many species of ants.
One of the most common ant species around your Nashville home is the pavement ant. They are either dark brown or black and about 1/8 inch in size. As their name suggests, you will find them nesting in, around, or under cracks in the pavement.
Read on to learn more about pavement ants, how you can prevent them, and how professional pest control in Nashville can help keep these pests under control.
Do Pavement Ants Bite?
Considered more a nuisance than a danger, pavement ants in Nashville don’t bite or sting like other species of ants. They aren’t a threat to people and don’t pose any health concerns on their own. However, pavement ants can contaminate food and other surfaces with the bacteria they carry on their legs and bodies.
The most significant issues with pavement ants come when they infest your home. Pavement ants invade in large numbers. A colony of pavement ants can number in the 10,000s and quickly spread to multiple nests in the same area. Even if they don’t bite or sting, this many ants in one place will make life uncomfortable for everyone around.
Do Pavement Ants Cause Structural Damage?
Unlike other ant species, pavement ants do not burrow into wood to make their nest. They will find their way into your home and make nests in wall insulation, ceiling voids, and under floors, but they won’t eat through the wood for food or shelter. They are unlikely to cause any structural damage to your Nashville home or business.
Natural Ways To Deter Pavement Ants In Nashville
Even though they aren’t destructive or dangerous, no one wants thousands of little black ants in their home. If you aren’t careful, a pavement ant infestation can start in your home and grow quickly.
The best option to avoid a growing pavement ant infestation is to keep these pests out in the first place. Here are a few natural ways to deter pavement ants:
- Seal cracks in the pavement around your home, including driveways and sidewalks.
- Repair cracks and crevices in your foundation and exterior walls.
- Leave a gap between organic material like mulch or soil and the exterior of your home.
- Vacuum, wipe down counters, and do your dishes frequently.
- Keep food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
- Ensure your garbage can lids seal property and clean them regularly.
You can keep pavement ants out of your home by eliminating food sources and places they can nest.
How To Eradicate A Pavement Ant Infestation
If you find yourself with a growing pavement ant infestation, you want to eliminate it quickly. Even if pavement ants aren’t dangerous, having them crawling all over your home is not something anyone wants to tolerate.
You will find plenty of DIY options for ant control at your local Nashville hardware store. Many of these options, like sprays and glue boards, will successfully kill some ants. The problem is that none of these DIY treatments get to the root of the issue.
At All-American Pest Control, we have the tools and knowledge to quickly identify a pavement ant infestation, locate the nest, and work quickly to eradicate the problem. After eliminating the infestation, we will work with you to develop a home pest control plan that keeps your home free from pavement ants and other pests.