Maryland growers have previously reported that pavement ants, (Tetramorium caespitum) have damaged some of their bedding plant crops. Univ. of Md. Extension officials said crops that have been affected include petunia, marigold and pansy crops.
The ants feed on the roots and girdle the stems causing the plants to collapse. In 2007, an IPM scout found them stripping the base of vinca stems and chewing through landscape fabric.
Pavement ants are dark brown with light colored legs. They have 12-segmented antennae with a 3-segmented club. On females, the thorax has a pair of small spines on the dorsal side. The males do not have these spines. The pedicel (area between thorax and abdomen) is 2-segmented.
Extension officials said DuraGuard ME has a label for use in greenhouses and nurseries and will control ants when applied as a soil drench.
Pictured: Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum)
Photo courtesy of Univ. of Md. Extension
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