Scientific Name: Tetramorium Caespitum

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Subfamily: Myrmicinae

Genus: Tetramorium

Species: T. Caespitum

Identifying Characteristics:

• Light brown to Black in color
• 12 Segmented Antennae with 3 segmented club
• Small size (2.5mm- 3mm)
• Distinctive parallel grooves on head and thorax
• Hairy abdomen
• Two nodes
• Multi-Queen Species
• Monomorphic workers
• Passive Species unlikely to bite or sting

Introduction:

Pavement ants are named for their common habit of nesting in, or under cracks in pavement. Pavement ants were introduced to North America in the 1700’s by the early European settlers. They are found primarily in the eastern half of the United States and on the west coast in California and Washington.

Diet

Pavement ants will feed on a wide variety of foods, including meats, grease, live and dead insects, seeds and honeydew from aphids. They prefer to eat greasy foods, and can eat many foods consumed by humans. They forage for food for their colonies and set up trails to food sources from their nests. Pavement ant workers enter houses to forage and can become a nuisance when large groups infest a kitchen or garden patio. They can sting and bite.

Control:

Hutchins Pest Specialist are trained to handle Pavement ants and many other pest species. Contact us to get your evaluation and specialized treatment plan started today. Our Expert Technician's can help you and your family enjoy a safe and pest-free home.