WHAT IS A PAVEMENT ANT?
Pavement ants are one of the more common house-invading ants found in homes today. They nest in the soil, usually under concrete or rocks and can be located by the little mounds of soil in cracks of the concrete or alongside large rocks.
WHY DO I HAVE THEM?
As in all living creatures, survival depends on an available source of food and water. Pavement ants, while normally nesting under concrete or rocks, will invade homes foraging for food. They are attracted to a rather wide variety of foods but love grease, meat and most other foods consumed by people. Leaving food out and available will certainly aid in the infestation of pavement ants.
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
Pavement ants are considered to be docile, showing no aggression. While having the ability to sting, they will rarely bite or sting humans. They are not poisonous and not known to be carriers of disease. The only damage this nuisance pest invokes upon homeowners is causing contamination of food items.
CAN I DO IT MYSELF?
Total eradication of pavement ants requires the entire colony to be treated. Killing those visible ants inside your home is not going to eliminate the queen of the colony. While there are many DIY techniques and ideas available, some of them work quickly, only killing the workers foraging for food and leaving the colony intact. Other sprays and powders will cause the ants to scatter into several sub-colonies. Consulting your local pest control specialist is recommended for advice on proper treatment of pavement ant infestations.
HOW SOON CAN YOU GET HERE?
Knowing the aggravation brought on by pest infestations, Schendel will usually respond the same day. We are committed to getting you the help needed as quickly as possible.
IS THE TREATMENT SAFE?
At Schendel Pest Services, we follow strict guidelines, only using EPA registered products. Our treatments are safe for use, ensuring the safety of you and your pets. Our technicians will use the least amount of material needed to effectively solve your pest problems. They will always inform you of any particular safety measures that may be needed prior to any treatment in or around your home.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
All our pest services come with standard pricing. This is based on the square footage of your home and a standard number of treatments. With each home differing in size and need, we always provide a free quote showing how much you save with our services. Schendel will always explain any price changes prior to starting your service.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE?
While it is not possible to guarantee against future infestation of pavement ants, there are a few things you can do to deter them from invading your home.
- Inspect your home on a regular basis, looking for any potential points of entry. Keep in mind that pavement ants are very small and can slip through very narrow openings. Seal any cracks around windows and doors as well as the foundation of your home.
- Cleanliness will be your best deterrent. Keep the kitchen and pantry area clean and free of crumbs and spills. Wipe counter regularly and never leave dirty dishes lying around. Keep garbage cans clean and emptied regularly.
- A slight leak in a faucet or water line will be adequate waters supply for ants. Repair any leaking pipes or faucets.
- All pantry foods should be stored in pest-proof containers. Any left over food should be sealed and put away.
