Pavement Ant
Tetramorium immigrans
Pavement ants account for a massive amount of the ant calls we receive. They are small, dark brown, and about 1/8 inch long. They are typically first spotted in outdoor areas.
About this species
These ants nest directly under that pavement and in the soil along building foundations. Look for tiny, volcano-shaped mounds of dirt pushed up through cracks in the driveway or the sidewalk.
Once nearby, it is incredibly easy for the ants to find tiny gaps in your home’s exterior and migrate inside. They scavenge aggressively in kitchens, and they aren’t picky. Syrup, stovetop grease, and dead insects can sustain the colony. This broad diet is their biggest weakness. Because they’ll eat almost anything, they respond exceptionally well to both sugar- and protein-based baits.
Image by Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
More About Pavement Ants
- Currently the most common sidewalk and foundation pest in NYC
- Native to Europe, introduced centuries ago
- Create characteristic soil mounds at cracks in sidewalks or slabs
- Nest under pavement, stones, and building foundations
- Forage for both sweets and protein/grease, making bait selection flexible
- Workers commonly invade buildings through foundation cracks
Identification
Size:
1/8 inch (3–4 mm) long/
Color:
Dark brown to brownish-black
Image by AfroBrazilian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key ID Features:
- Two distinct nodes
- Grooves (striae) on the head and thorax, visible under magnification