Why Do I Have Pavement Ants Outside My Oahu Home?

Ants are social insects that typically form large colonies with designated roles that multiply very rapidly when a source of food is discovered. Their bodies have six legs and three distinct sections that include a head, thorax, and abdomen.

Pavement Ant Characteristics

Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are common ant species invaders that measure roughly 1/8 of an inch long and appear dark brown or black. Some pavement ants can fly, and they tend to be slightly larger in size. These winged ants are responsible for reproduction and often gather in swarms as part of their mating ritual. 

Pavement ants are aptly named for where they are most likely to create nests by excavating soil. The most common locations include beneath sidewalks, openings within concrete slabs, and near large rocks. Pavement ants will consume various foods, including insects, seeds, bread, meats, and most anything else that humans eat.

Are Pavement Ants Dangerous?

Although they can sting, pavement ants pose little to no health risks among humans; however, they are a nuisance that can contaminate food as they pass through trash and other debris. 

The Challenges Of Eliminating Infestations 

Because of their small size, preventing pavement ants from entering the premises is challenging. A queen can lay hundreds of eggs in a short time, meaning that small intrusions can quickly develop into significant infestations. Ants leave a trail of pheromone chemicals as they move indoors, alerting others who are likely to follow in droves. 

One key to preventing ant intrusions is limiting access to food. Crumbs should be swept off the floors promptly, countertops wiped down, and avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight. Kitchen area trash cans that contain food scraps should have a properly fitted lid to prevent access. 

Property owners should check the exterior of the structure for possible entry points. For example, repair holes in screens, apply weatherstripping if you notice gaps around doors or windows, and fill any crevices that have developed around the foundation with a durable caulk or sealant. 

The Importance Of Seeking Assistance From Pest Control Professionals 

Some homeowners attempt to take matters into their own hands once they discover that ants have infiltrated. These individuals often purchase do-it-yourself treatment options from local stores or online retailers, including aerosol sprays, granular formulas, and baiting stations. Unfortunately, most of these options are insufficient for eliminating large infestations that have deeply penetrated interior walls, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach places. The best course of action after detecting a problem with ants is to immediately contact a local professional that is properly trained and equipped to expel these and other unwanted pests.

The experts at Pest Tech Hawaii will conduct a detailed property assessment both indoors and outdoors to understand the source, points of entry, and other key property conditions. We will present you with a customized treatment plan and will safely and effectively solve the problem. Also, we will complete a follow-up inspection to ensure the ants have been completely ousted. 

Experienced Local Provider Of Pest Control Solutions

 As a locally-owned service provider, our staff is committed to operating in a manner that protects our customers and will not harm the environment. Did you know that our team of specialists has been successfully solving pest-related problems for local customers in the Oahu region for decades? In addition to ants, we can efficiently eradicate rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, and many other bothersome and potentially dangerous critters. Contact us today for a home pest control inspection.