To get rid of ants in pavers, treat the colony with a product made for ants, then re-sand the joints, ideally with polymeric sand, to make them harder to dig through. Ants push sand out of joints when they nest underneath. If it keeps happening or pavers are sinking, the cause may be a base or drainage problem.

Why do ants nest in pavers?

Pavers sit on a sand bedding layer over a compacted base, which is easy to dig through and stays warm and dry. Ants build tunnels there, pushing small piles of sand up through the joints. In Ladson and across the Lowcountry, warm weather and sandy soils make paver joints attractive nesting spots.

What are the signs of ants in your pavers?

•Small mounds of sand along the joints.

•Joints that keep emptying out.

•Ants moving in and out between pavers.

•Weeds and low spots where sand has been moved.

 

How do you get rid of them?

•Identify the ants. Different species need different treatment. Fire ants in particular can be dangerous, so be careful.

•Treat the colony. Use an ant bait or a treatment labeled for this use, following the directions. Baits carry the product back to the nest. Check for plants, pets and children nearby.

•Sweep and clean the joints. Remove loose sand and debris once the ants are gone.

•Re-sand. Fill the joints, compact and sweep, then follow the product directions.

•Monitor. Check for new activity over the next weeks.

For a serious infestation, consider a licensed pest control professional.

Does polymeric sand stop ants?

It helps. Polymeric sand hardens, making it harder for ants to dig through, and it resists washout and weeds. It does not guarantee ants will stay out, and ants can still find gaps or nest beneath the surface. It must be installed correctly: dry joints, excess swept off, and activated and cured as directed. Regular sand is easier to refill but gets pushed around more.

When do ants signal a bigger problem?

Ants usually move only sand, but sand loss can reveal a larger issue. Watch for:

•Pavers that sink, tilt or wobble.

•Dips or low spots that hold water.

•Sand washing out heavily after rain.

•Voids or hollow sounds under the surface.

These can mean the bedding or base is washing out or settling, often from poor drainage or compaction. High water tables, heavy summer rain and sandy soils in the Lowcountry make drainage a key factor. If the pavers are moving, a repair may require lifting and resetting them, fixing the base and correcting drainage.

How do you prevent ants from coming back?

•Keep joints full of sand and re-sand when they look low.

•Fix drainage so water does not collect.

•Keep food, mulch and debris away from the edges.

•Check for new mounds regularly.

Patio maintenance, including re-sanding and sealing, is a separate service from installation.

Frequently asked questions

•Will ants damage my pavers?

Usually they only move sand, but they can loosen the bedding and contribute to settling.

•Can I use boiling water?

It may kill some ants but can be unreliable and can disturb sand. Use treatments made for the job.

•Should I call a professional?

For large colonies or fire ants, yes.

•Planning a patio?

If you are in Ladson or the surrounding Lowcountry, we are happy to take a look. Every project starts with a free design and build estimate: an on-site visit, three price points for the same scope of work, and a custom 3D design once the project is booked. Every paver install includes a 10-year workmanship warranty. No pressure.