What is the most common ant found living under sidewalks and concrete slabs?

The most common ant found living under sidewalks and concrete slabs is the pavement ant. This species is well-adapted to urban environments, often nesting in the cracks and crevices of sidewalks, parking lots, and under concrete slabs. They create shallow nests just below the surface, which allows them to thrive in these man-made habitats.

Pavement ants are recognized for their dark brown to black coloration and small size, making them less conspicuous in their surroundings. Their tendency to occupy such locations is largely due to their need for warmth, moisture, and a protected environment, all of which can be provided by the spaces found under concrete structures.

The other ant species mentioned do not typically exhibit the same nesting behavior as the pavement ant. For instance, carpenter ants primarily invade wooden structures to create their nests, while thief ants and Pharaoh ants have different nesting preferences and are less associated with concrete environments. Thus, the specific habitat preference and behavior of the pavement ant solidify its classification as the most common ant beneath sidewalks and concrete slabs.