How to Get Rid of Small Black Ants

"I'm seeing small black ants around my house, especially in the cracks on the sidewalk and driveway. I keep spraying the ones I see, but they keep coming back! What kind of ants are these, where do they come from, and how do I get rid of them? "

Appearance
The most common type of small ant in the Virginia area that is black in color is the Pavement Ant, a common pest. Pavement ants vary in length from 1/10 inch to 1/8 inch, and can be dark brown to black with pale legs.

Habitat
Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or under cracks in pavement. Colonies are usually easy to find due to the piles of displaced soil next to and on top of pavement. Indoors, pavement ants nest in walls, insulation and under floors. They like to travel under the edges of carpet next to the tack strip.

Diet
Pavement ants are opportunistic feeders that will “swarm” on foods that appear within their foraging range, and are therefore easily controlled with bait. Indoors, they feed on meats, nuts, cheese, honey, bread crumbs, meats, grease and pet bowls.

Control
Individual pavement ant colonies can often be controlled using ant baits, but perimeter inspection and treatment are usually necessary for long-term pavement ant control. Their colonies are controlled by direct treatment of nests in the soil.

To ensure that you apply the right type of controls to get rid of pests like small black ants, be sure to call PermaTreat today!