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Will Sealing Pavers Prevent Ants? Simple Ways To Keep Them Off

As we know, the sealer not only protects flooring from wearing off caused by harsh weather, but also from other different factors that can deteriorate its surface. Believe it or not, sealing pavers prevents ants too. The substance is one of the principal for ensuring pavers’ durability for many years, and that includes protecting it from insects.

Crawling creatures represent a threat to flooring structural integrity, especially ants. Known for building their nests in paver joints, eventually, those insects can destabilize the flooring, promoting cracks and unevenness.

But, pest control can be challenging. In the end, the best result does not come from just a single solution, but a set of actions; sometimes preventive and sometimes corrective. Therefore, in this article, we will cover as many aspects and tips as possible that can help you get rid of ants, once and for all.

How Do I Keep Ants Out Of My Pavers

Sealing pavers is an excellent way to prevent an ant infestation. Because let’s be honest, no matter where you live, you’ll always find insects in your yard. But to understand how sealing prevents ants, we have to understand what it does in the first place.

The sealer works by solidifying joint sand and locking pavers together. Also, the substance forms a protective layer over the surface. Depending on the sealer type you use, you can see a physical barrier building over the flooring.

Ants prefer to make their nests in dirt or sand. Materials that insects can easily manage and move around. When sealer comes into contact with the joint material makes it nearly impossible to work with it. Paver sealer also retards joint sand erosion by creating a weather barrier.

As a result, ants will find it difficult to dig and build their nests and will look for another place, prone to easy work.

Does Polymeric Sand Prevents Ants

But as we said at the article’s beginning, the prevention work depends on a set of measures. For example, although the sealer is an excellent resource for inhibiting ants, it works best when combined with other factors. The sand you use between the joints also plays an important role.

Most of today’s paving projects use special alloys to settle blocks in place. One of these alloys is called polymeric sand. The substance usually contains 85 – 90% quartz and crystalline silica, which is what gives the sand its notably binding power.

When you wet this sand, it activates the polymers, which hardens the various components, effectively locking the pavers in place. Adding the sealer over the surface will form an almost impenetrable barrier.

How Often Paver Sealing

But like most preventive measures that exist, sealing also requires reapplication from time to time. Maintenance work will ensure your pavers are free from ant infestation and keep the exceptional look for longer.

But how often should pavers be resealed? The rule of thumb says around 3 to 5 years. But you have to take into account many factors to determine whether or not it’s time to reseal pavers.

The best way to determine is by observing the flooring. Depending on the type of sealant used it will present one of the following conditions;

  • For film-forming sealants, you will see when the protective film covering the pavers will show signs of wear;
  • For non-film-forming sealant, you will begin to notice a significant change in the colors of pavers during rainy days;

On stormy days, with heavy rain, you’ll notice pavers can become darker; Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean the sealing is wearing off. Even well-sealed pavers will take a while to dry after many days of heavy raining. 

Does White Vinegar Kill Ants

If, for some reason, you took a little longer to clean and reapply the new sealing layer and the ants started to make their nests, don’t worry, we got you covered.

One of the easiest ways to get rid of them is with a 50-50 vinegar and water solution. Or straight vinegar. Not only white vinegar kills ants, but it also repels them. If you have an insect problem, try using diluted vinegar.

Ants are sensitive to the smell of the vinegar after it dries. But the scent doesn’t remain discernible for long to most people.

But remember that white vinegar is a non-selective way to get rid of ants. That is, it is necessary to be careful not to sprinkle the substance on nearby plants; otherwise, you will kill them.

How Do I Get Rid Of Ants Permanently

The best way to get rid of ants is by making sure the paver sealing is up to date. The recommendations we gave you here will help to ensure your flooring looks beautiful for much longer.

Besides, sealing brings many additional benefits. The substance prevents mold and moss formation, hinders weed growth, among other gains.

S&S Pavers has been proudly serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota for the past 10+ years. From paver patio installation to sealing and maintenance. If you live in Florida, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

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