Pavement ants can be incredibly inconvenient, here are some steps to controlling pavement ants
- Identify the ant trails: Observe the ants to determine their entry points and the trails they follow. Look for small cracks, crevices, or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, or windows where ants may be entering.
- Keep your house clean and tidy: Thoroughly clean your house, paying attention to areas where food is stored or consumed. Wipe down countertops, sweep and mop floors, and vacuum any areas where crumbs or food particles may accumulate. By eliminating food sources, you reduce the attractiveness of your home to pavement ants.
- Seal entry points: Use caulk or silicone-based sealant to seal cracks, gaps, or openings in your home’s exterior. Pay close attention to areas where you’ve noticed ant activity. Seal gaps around windows, doors, utility pipes, and other potential entry points. This prevents ants from easily entering your property.
- Trim vegetation: Trim trees, shrubs, and other vegetation away from the exterior of your home. Pavement ants often use branches and plants as bridges to access your house. By creating a gap between your home and vegetation, you make it more difficult for the ants to reach your property.
- Locate and treat ant nests: Follow the ant trails to locate their nests. Look for small mounds of soil near pavement edges, sidewalks, or other areas where ants are active. Once you find the nests, you have several treatment options. Make sure to follow the label of any products you are using as misuse can cause serious injury.
- Use ant baits: Ant baits are an effective way to eliminate pavement ant colonies. They consist of a toxic substance mixed with a food attractant. The ants are lured to the bait, consume it, and then bring it back to the nest, effectively spreading the poison to the entire colony. Place ant bait stations near ant trails or where you’ve seen their activity. Be patient, as it may take several days or weeks for the bait to eliminate the colony.
- Repeat and monitor: Ant control may require multiple treatments. Repeat the chosen method if you still see ant activity after a few weeks. Continuously monitor your home for any signs of ant reinfestation and take prompt action if needed.
Remember, it’s essential to follow the instructions on insecticides and baits carefully. Keep them away from children and pets, and use protective measures as recommended by the product labels.
Contact the experts at 1st Pest Control to help eliminate your pavement ants problem.
Check out our youtube channel for informative pest control videos
