Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are a species of ants commonly found in urban areas, where they nest under pavement cracks, sidewalks, driveways, and other similar spaces. They exhibit certain behaviors that involve pushing up sand or soil and swarming. Here’s why:
- Nest Building: Pavement ants push up sand or soil as part of their nest-building activities. They excavate and expand their nests by removing soil or sand from underground and pushing it up to the surface. This behavior helps them create chambers and tunnels within their nests.
- Colony Expansion: When a pavement ant colony grows too large for its current nest, the worker ants engage in “budding.” This process involves the creation of new satellite colonies adjacent to the original nest. As part of this process, worker ants may push up sand or soil to establish a connection between the old and new nests.
- Defense Mechanism: Pavement ants may also push up sand or soil as a defense mechanism. When their nests are disturbed or threatened, the ants may swarm out of the nest and aggressively defend it. They can bite or sting if they feel threatened, and the presence of swarming ants can discourage potential predators or intruders.
It’s important to note that while pavement ants are generally considered a nuisance due to their presence in urban areas, their behavior is typically harmless. However, if their nests are causing structural damage or becoming a major nuisance, it may be necessary to seek professional pest control assistance to manage their population.