Pavement Ants
HOSTS
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- Hemp
- Ripe fruit, seeds, fatty, and greasy substances
DESCRIPTION
Worker ants are all the same small size and light to dark brown
with fine grooves lining the head and thorax. Pavement ants have two nodes between the middle and rear body sections. Queen and male winged ants are larger than workers.
BIOLOGY
Egg | Larva | Pupa | Adult
- 4 to 5 generations annually.
- Overwinter in nests located below ground.
- Pavement ants are typically active from late winter through late fall.
- Ants fly for mating most commonly in the spring through early summer, especially after rain events.
- Pavement ants are one of the most abundant ant species in Utah, especially in urban areas.
SYMPTOMS
Ants have been known to feed on the base of seedlings and seedling roots, resulting in wilting and plant death. If nests are located directly below the host plant, the result can be reduced plant vigor, poor rooting, wilting, and death.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
- Ensure ants are not present before planting.
- Locate and destroy nests.
- Some insecticide sprays and one bait are approved to protect young plants.
Time for Concern: When plants are establishing root systems in the field..
When and Where to Scout: Watch for wilting of young plants not caused by lack of water, and inspect soil around base of plant. Watch for winged ants in spring through early summer.
Threat Level: Low. Pavement ants typically do not feed on crops and plants unless there are no other food resources.
Occurrence in Utah: Ants are very common and have been found damaging
Utah hemp plants in both field and greenhouse settings.