Pavement Ants vs. Carpenter Ants: What’s the Difference?
Pavement ants and carpenter ants are two of the most common types of ants found in homes. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between the two species.
Pavement Ants
Appearance: Pavement ants are small, dark-coloured ants that are about 1/8 inch long. They have two dark stripes on their abdomen.
Habitat: Pavement ants typically nest outdoors in areas with loose soil, such as near sidewalks, driveways, and patios. They may also nest indoors, but this is less common.
Diet: Pavement ants eat a variety of foods, including sweets, grease, and insects.
Behavior: Pavement ants are not typically aggressive, but they can be a nuisance if they get into food or other areas of the home.
Carpenter Ants
Appearance: Carpenter ants are larger than pavement ants, at 1/2 to 1 inch long. They are dark brown to black in colour and have a smooth, shiny body.
Habitat: Carpenter ants typically nest in moist, decaying wood. They may also nest in walls, floors, and other wooden structures in homes.
Diet: Carpenter ants eat a variety of wood, but they also eat other foods, such as sweets and insects.
Behaviour: Carpenter ants can be aggressive and may bite if they are disturbed. They can also cause damage to wooden structures.
How to Get Rid of Pavement Ants and Carpenter Ants
If you have a problem with pavement ants or carpenter ants, the best way to get rid of them is to contact a local pest control professional. They will be able to identify the type of ant you have and recommend the best treatment method.
Preventing Pavement Ants and Carpenter Ants
There are a few things you can do to prevent ants from infesting your home:
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation.
- Keep your yard free of debris and wood piles.
- Inspect your home for signs of ant activity on a regular basis.
- If you see ants, contact a pest control professional immediately.
- By following these tips, you can help to keep your home free of pavement ants and carpenter ants.
Here are some additional tips to help you identify and prevent pavement ants and carpenter ants:
Pavement ants are attracted to sweets, grease, and other food sources. If you see ants around your kitchen or other areas where food is stored, it’s a good sign that you have a pavement ant problem.
Carpenter ants are attracted to moist, decaying wood. If you see ants around your foundation or in other areas where wood is present, it’s a good sign that you have a carpenter ant problem. You can also use ant baits to help control pavement ants and carpenter ants. Ant baits are available at most hardware stores.
Contact Your Local Pest Control Company
If you have a severe ant problem, you may need to call a pest exterminator. A pest control professional will be able to identify the type of ant you have and recommend the best treatment method.
We hope this blog helps you to understand the difference between pavement ants and carpenter ants, and how to identify and prevent them from infesting your home.
