Pavement Ant Pest Control in Toronto

pavement ant
Insect Name: Pavement Ants

What do Pavement Ants look like ?Pavement ants are small ants that belong to the genus Tetramorium. They are native to Europe, but have been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. They are brownish-black in color, with pale legs and antennae. They have two spines on their thorax, which is the middle part of their body, and grooves on their head and thorax. They are about 2.5 to 3 mm long, which is about the size of a sesame seed. Pavement ants have three types of individuals in their colonies: workers, queens, and males. Workers are sterile females that do all the tasks of the colony, such as foraging, nest building, and defense. Queens are fertile females that lay eggs and produce new ants. Males are winged ants that only live for a short time and mate with the queens.

How do Pavement Ants reproducePavement ants reproduce through a process called nuptial flight, which is when winged males and queens fly out of their nests to mate. This usually happens in late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and humid. The males die soon after mating, while the queens shed their wings and look for a suitable place to start a new colony. They dig a small hole in the soil or under a pavement crack, and seal themselves inside. There, they lay eggs and take care of the first batch of workers until they emerge. A single queen can produce thousands of workers in her lifetime, and a colony can have multiple queens.

What do Pavement Ants eatPavement ants are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They feed on a variety of foods, such as dead insects, seeds, nuts, fruits, honeydew, nectar, bread, cheese, meat, grease, and sweets. They also collect sand and soil particles to build their nests. Pavement ants are trailing ants, which means they follow each other in a line to find food sources. They use chemical signals called pheromones to communicate with each other and mark their trails. They can forage up to 9 meters from their nest, and will enter homes and buildings through small openings in search of food.

Why do I have pavement antsPavement ants are attracted to human environments because they offer abundant food sources and shelter. They often nest under sidewalks, driveways, patios, foundations, slabs, stones, bricks, logs, or mulch. They can also nest inside walls, floors, insulation, or electrical wires. They prefer moist and warm areas, especially near heat sources in the winter. Pavement ants can enter your home through cracks or gaps around doors, windows, pipes, wires, or vents. They can also hitchhike on plants, firewood, or other items that you bring inside.

Should I be worried about pavement antsPavement ants are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not sting or bite (unless provoked), and they do not transmit diseases or damage structures (unless they nest inside them). However, they can be a nuisance and an annoyance because they can contaminate your food and belongings with dirt and germs. They can also cause aesthetic problems by creating mounds of soil around their nests or along their trails.

How to prevent Pavement AntsThe best way to prevent pavement ants is to eliminate their food sources and entry points. Here are some tips to keep them away from your home:

Seal any cracks or gaps around your doors, windows, pipes, wires, or vents with caulk or foam.
Trim any overhanging branches or vegetation that touch your house or roof.
Keep your kitchen clean and tidy by wiping down counters and floors regularly.
Store your food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
Dispose of your garbage frequently and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
Remove any clutter or debris from your yard or basement that could provide shelter for pavement ants

How to get rid of Pavement AntsExterminators can use different methods to get rid of pavement ants, depending on the type and location of the infestation. Some of the common treatments are:

Ant baits: These are products that contain a food attractant and a slow-acting insecticide. The ants will take the bait back to their nest and share it with the queen and other ants, eventually killing the entire colony. Ant baits are an environmentally friendly form of chemical control.

Insecticide sprays: These are liquid products that can be applied directly on the ants or on their nests if you can locate them. They work instantly, so they are good for visible ants, but they may not reach the hidden ants in the colony.

Insecticide powders or dusts: These are products that can be sprinkled or puffed into cracks, crevices, or other hard-to-reach areas where pavement ants may hide. They have a residual effect, which means they can kill ants for a long time after application.

Foggers: These are devices that release a fine mist of insecticide into the air, covering a large area. They can be used to treat an ant problem in a room or a building, but they may not penetrate deep into the nest or the walls.

Professional pest control service: This is the best option if you have a large or persistent infestation. A professional exterminator will inspect your property, identify the type and source of the ant problem, and apply the most appropriate and effective treatment. They will also help you deal with hard-to-reach areas like air ducts and crawlspace.

When to call a pavement ant exterminator ?The best is to call us as soon as possible. We service the Greater Toronto Area, call us now 647 849 4441

Call us to speak with one of our experienced pavement ant exterminator

Pavement Ants
PEST CONTROL

GTA Exterminators for pavement ant removal in Toronto

Call us today for pavement ant extermination