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REGIONAL PEST REPORT

Winter season

Pest threat

Mice are moving inside and other wildlife may be looking for potential harbourage areas. Cluster flies have hibernated in attics and wall voids. As the temperature fluctuates keep your eyes and ears open for the signs and sounds of unwanted pests this winter. Carpenter ant activity may be seen in the home where moisture is found on a warmer day.

 

Stay alert

Get more info on local pests

Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum)

Pavement Ant

Identification

  • Queens are approximately 6 mm in length; workers average 2.5 to 3 mm
  • Is pale brown to black in colour with lighter legs
  • Has 12-segmented antennae, with 3-segmented clubs
  • Characteristically has parallel grooves that run along it head and thorax
  • Thorax is unevenly rounded and exhibits a pair of spines
  • Is two-noded (i.e. 2 segments attach the abdomen to the thorax)
  • Has a stinger

Habitat and Behaviour

  • Nesting sites vary indoors; may be found under flooring, in between walls, within insulation, etc.
  • Prefers nesting sites along structural foundations, under sidewalks, or driveways when it is outdoors
  • Forages on average up to 9 m from its nesting site
  • Feeds on a wide variety of food material

Lifecycle

  • Exhibits complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
  • Colonies are comprised of 3000 to 4000 individuals, including multiple queens
  • Reproductives (winged) are typically observed outside in early summer, and may be seen inside at any time of the year
  • Development time, from egg to adult, is dependent on temperature and can range anywhere from 36 to 63 days