How To Get Rid Of Pavement Ants

Welcome to my article about how to get rid of pavement ants naturally!

Ugh, pests. They can be so annoying!

If there’s one type of pest that’s difficult to get rid of, it’s the pavement ant. The ants live in large colonies and reproduce rapidly. So once you have one in your home… look out.

While pavement ants are hard to exterminate, it’s not impossible.

Below are some tips that will help you get rid of these pests once and for all, using store bought products or natural methods.

But first, let’s learn a bit more about what pavement ants are so you’re armed with all the knowledge you could need to get rid of them.

What Are Pavement Ants?

example of a pavement ant

Pavement ants are the most common types of ants. They are typically 1/8 to 1/16” long and have a reddish-brown color with lighter legs and antennae.

They have a stinger on their front abdominal section, but they generally won’t sting unless they are provoked. However, they can contaminate food.

Although they are called pavement ants, unfortunately, they can still get into your home.

They are commonly found in pavements, sidewalks, patios and home foundations.

They typically come out in the warmer months and are found in various areas of the United States, and all around the world.

How Do Pavement Ants Get Into A Home?

Pavement ants get into homes through cracks and crevices. They eat just about anything and may be attracted by food.

So, if you want to keep pavement ants away, keep your home clean.

However, some people get them no matter how well they clean.

How To Get Rid of Pavement Ants: Non-Natural Methods

There are a few things you can do to get rid of pavement ants. Here are some methods to consider.

Bait Gels and Stations

One way to get rid of pavement ants is by using bait gels and stations.

The stations contain the toxic gel or the gel can be dropped directly into areas where the ants congregate.

Once the ant ingests the gel, it will go back and share it with the rest of the colony so it will help to wipe out a good part of the population.

Bait stations can be placed on countertops, in corners or wherever ants are nesting.

Clean any food in the area before putting them down and do not use them in combination with insect sprays.

View Ant Baits on Amazon Here

Sprays

Sprays can also be used to kill ants and they are good for getting into cracks and crevices.

They are not the best long-term solution, but they will temporarily cut down on ant population. They will kill ants on contact.

You can also spray around the perimeter of the house to keep ants out.

Plan to keep spraying every 45 – 60 days to keep ants from overwhelming the property.

Windex

Windex is a popular household cleaner that can be used to kill ants. It will kill them if you spray them directly.

You can also apply Windex to their trails, so they won’t use the same route to get into your home.

View Windex on Amazon Here

Dust Treatments

Dust treatments should be applied to the cracks and holes in your property according to package directions.

How To Get Rid Of Pavement Ants: Natural Methods

Spays and baits can be effective in killing pavement ants, but they can also leave behind chemicals that some people prefer not to have in their home.

Fortunately, there are natural methods for killing these pests too. Here are some to consider.

Boiling Water

You can boil water and pour it directly into areas where ants are nesting. You will need to repeat the process once a day until the ants are gone.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic substances called diatoms. It kills ants by shredding their exoskeletons.

To use it, spread it around the nests and any areas where the ants congregate.

Keep going until the ants are eliminated. It will take around a week to complete the process.

The product can be found at hardware stores and comes in powdered form.

Natural Baits

While many baits are made of toxic ingredients, you can also make your own using natural substances.

Here are some to consider trying:

  • Borax and Sugar: Mix equal amounts of Borax and sugar and place it in their trails. The sugar will attract them, and the Borax will kill them. View Borax on Amazon Here
  • Corn Meal: Ants will try to digest the corn meal, but ultimately, it will kill them. It’s best to mix the corn meal with sugar so they will be drawn to the trap.
  • Raw Cream of Wheat: Raw cream of wheat will expand in an ant’s stomach eventually killing it. For best results, combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 3 tablespoons cream of wheat. They will come for the honey and leave with serious digestive issues!

Soapy Water

Good old soapy water will also kill ants. Mix a solution of 1 cup water and half a cup of dishwashing liquid.

You can spray it directly on them to kill them or spray it into their nests to get rid of them for good.

Vinegar and Water

Vinegar and water is another all natural solution that works to kill pavement ants.

Mix apple cider vinegar and water at a 1:1 ratio. Then spray it into the ant’s entry points and shelters.

Ultrasonic Pest Repellent

An ultrasonic pest repellent will emit soundwaves and vibrations that irritate pests. The sounds are not detectable to humans.

It will keep ants and other pests out of your indoor spaces without any chemicals.

Natural Pest Repellents

There are several pest repellents on the market that do not use any chemicals or unnatural ingredients.

How To Prevent Pavement Ant Infestations

While it’s great to know how to eliminate pavement ants, it’s even better if you can keep them from coming into your home.

Here are some methods that will prevent an infestation.

Herbs and Spices

There are many herbs and spices that will keep ants away from the home. These include:

  • Whole cloves
  • Bay leaves
  • Cinnamon
  • Turmeric
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Citrus oil
  • Lavender oil

…and the list goes on.

Coffee also repels them.

To keep ants away, put herbs, spices and/or coffee in the cracks and crevices around the home. Replace them when they lose their scent.

Other Prevention Tips

Other prevention tips include the following:

  • Keep countertops free of dirt and food particles.
  • Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
  • Keep your trash closed and take it out every day.
  • Try to eliminate standing water around the home.
  • Trim tree branches and plants so they don’t come into contact with the side of the home. Ants often climb on them to get inside.
  • Seal up cracks and crevices in the home’s foundation. Place screens over vents, windows, and other openings. Use steel wool to fill entry points.
  • Ensure your weather proofing is in good shape.
  • Keep firewood and other yard clutter at least 20 feet from your home.
  • Many people use mulch in their gardens which attracts ants. If you use mulch, limit the amount you use to two inches of less. You can also use cedar mulch which repels insects.
  • Fix cracks and crevices in your pavement and sidewalk that can serve as entryways for ants to crawl in.

How To Get Rid Of Pavement Ants: Conclusion

Pavement ants are unpleasant, and they are not easy to deal with.

I hope the tips in this article have helped you get rid of them so you can live without having to worry about them infesting your home.

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