Sealants

• Water-based, polyurethane and acrylic sealants protect existing patios. The sealants coat or impregnate pavers and the sand between them. Sealants often darken pavers. A variety of finishes is available, from invisible to glossy.
  
  

Poly Sand

• Polymeric sand combines joint sand with a water-soluble polymer. Poly sand is worked between pavers just like sand. The surface is then covered with water to activate the polymer. The result is a flexible grout-like sealant between bricks impervious to ant homebuilding.
  
  

Cement

• The ultimate solution to excavations by ants is to lay the brick patio on a bed of concrete. Once the bricks are laid, joints can be filled with mortar or polysand. Local building codes may dictate specific materials.
  
  

Considerations

• If ants are the only problem, ant traps, a surface sealant or alternative filler may solve the problem. For new patios or where winter or freeze-thaw cycles and flooding have caused upheaval, cement foundations are the most economical long-term solution.