What do I do about ants pushing sand out between my pavers?

Ants excavating sand from paver joints is a common problem in Metro Vancouver, especially during the drier summer months when ant colonies are most active. The solution is switching to polymeric sand, which hardens when cured and creates a barrier ants cannot easily excavate through.

Ants are attracted to regular jointing sand because it's easy to dig through and provides ideal nesting material. They'll systematically remove sand from joints to create tunnels and chambers for their colonies, leaving your pavers loose and unstable. This problem is particularly noticeable with standard play sand or mason sand, which offers no resistance to ant excavation.

Polymeric sand is the most effective long-term solution for ant problems in paver joints. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand contains polymer additives that activate with water, causing the sand to harden into a semi-flexible, cohesive mass that ants cannot easily penetrate or remove. Quality polymeric sand brands like Techniseal, Alliance, or Sakrete create a barrier that's firm enough to resist ant excavation but flexible enough to accommodate minor paver movement without cracking.

The installation process is critical for success. Remove all existing sand from the joints using a pressure washer or manual tools, then sweep the new polymeric sand into clean, dry joints until they're completely full. Use a plate compactor with a protective pad to vibrate the sand down into the joints, then add more sand as needed. The activation process requires a fine mist of water applied in multiple passes — never flood the surface, as this can wash out the polymers and cause white hazing on the paver surface.

In Metro Vancouver's climate, timing the polymeric sand installation is important. Apply it during a dry weather window when you can guarantee 24-48 hours without rain after activation. The rainy season from October through March makes proper curing difficult, so plan this work for late spring through early fall.

Additional ant deterrent measures can complement the polymeric sand solution. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) sprinkled around the paver edges acts as a natural ant deterrent without harming pets or plants. Coffee grounds, cinnamon, or borax-based ant baits can help control existing colonies, but addressing the root cause — easy access to nesting material in the joints — is more effective than ongoing chemical treatments.

For severe ant infestations, you may need to address the underlying colony before installing polymeric sand. Pour boiling water into the joints where you see the most ant activity, or use ant bait stations around the perimeter of the paved area to eliminate the colony at its source.

Professional installation is recommended for large areas or if you're not comfortable with the polymeric sand activation process. Improperly activated polymeric sand can haze paver surfaces permanently or fail to cure properly, requiring complete removal and reinstallation. A professional installer will ensure proper joint preparation, correct sand application, and proper activation timing.

Expect to pay $3-$6 per square foot for professional polymeric sand installation, including removal of old sand, cleaning, new polymeric sand, and proper activation. For a typical 400 sq ft patio, budget $1,200-$2,400 for professional re-sanding.

When to hire a pro: If your paver area is larger than 200 sq ft, if you've never worked with polymeric sand before, or if the existing joints need significant cleaning and preparation, professional installation ensures proper results and protects your investment in the paver surface.

---

Find a Interlock & Paver Contractor

Vancouver Interlock connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Black Birch Contracting ✓
• Adept Projects Inc ✓
• Levelone Construction Ltd. ✓