Lurking just beneath the surface of the earth, tiny creatures build and reproduce, seeking to consume all they can find. Diligently carving their earthen tunnels and amassing their armies, they emerge only to scavenge for the most tantalizing treats for their colony and queen to feast upon. If this imagery scares you, then don't worry too much; it's only ants! These miniature insects are almost everywhere, and while most ant species aren't known to infest residential areas, pavement ants are some of the most common pests in South Carolina.
Pavement Ant Appearance And Behavior
Pavement ants are brown to black, with limbs slightly lighter hue than their bodies, and they're roughly 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length. Distinctive markings on pavement ants include grooved lines on their head and thorax and small spines at the base of their thorax. They're considered more of a nuisance pest than anything, especially given their docile behavior, but they will bite if they feel threatened.
While they aren't aggressive, and they aren't known to cause structural damage, they can still create quite a bit of trouble in your South Carolina home. Pavement ants prefer nesting under rocks and debris for the shelter they provide, which is why they're so commonly found under driveways, between sidewalk cracks, and underneath the foundation of homes and buildings. They're more than content to build their colonies outside, but they have been known to infest homes if their preferred foods are discovered in excess and easily accessible:
- Sugary foods and syrups
- Grains and baked goods
- Nuts and seeds
- Greasy foods
- Fruits and vegetables
- Proteins and pet foods
Why Pavement Ants Invade, And How To Avoid Them
Like all ants, pavement ants are drawn to food sources and environments that provide their necessities. They are particularly drawn to moisture, so if you find pavement ants within your South Carolina home or property, it likely means you have a leak or poorly draining soil. While it is difficult to keep these ants from invading, there are steps you can take to keep them away, or even outside at the very least:
- Inspect the outer foundation and siding, and repair any cracks and holes you find
- Fix any leaks, possibly invest in a dehumidifier for rooms that produce moisture; kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, basement
- Store food in airtight containers, thoroughly clean food prep areas, and immediately clean any food and drink spills
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly
- Store wood and brush piles well away from the perimeter of your home
- Make sure outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids
- Clean outdoor food prep and eating areas promptly after eating
These aren't fool-proof methods, but they can help in keeping your home secure against pests such as pavement ants. Other ongoing pest infestations could also entice these ants indoors, as they will eat the dead carcasses of other insects as well.
What To Do If Pavement Ants Infest Your South Carolina Home
Even though they're less of a danger and more of a nuisance, pavement ants can still contaminate food sources and create rather unsightly anthills in the middle of your driveway. Trying to get rid of them on your own can be a real hassle, especially if you don't eradicate the entire colony. Making an unsuccessful attempt could startle them into creating multiple satellite colonies, leading to an even worse ant infestation in your South Carolina home. When dealing with an ant problem, don't get frustrated, call The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. instead.
As a family-owned and operated company, our business was founded on providing not only excellent service and complete satisfaction, but also helping families in reclaiming comfort and safety in their own homes. That's why every treatment we provide comes with a 100% pest control satisfaction guarantee; if we've treated your home, and the infestation is still giving you trouble, we come right back out and re-treat your property at no additional cost! So get in contact with us today, and let us help you find comfort in your home again.
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