Ants are not a stranger to Californians. The other common markers that make us recognize these little critters include pilfering sugary crumbs in the pantry or food left out in their grasp, deliver painful pinches when they are in defense of the nest, and the endless marches. Where there are several common ants, we at Animal Pest Management would like to elaborate on Argentine Ants.
Where Do Argentine Ants Live & What Do They Eat?
Twelve segments feature on their antennae and measure about 3/32 – 7/64 inches in length, additionally Argentine ants coloring range from light to dark brown. Known for displacing native ants, these ants are an aggressive invasive species. As a home infesting pest, Argentine ants are also a major nuisance. Under piles, mulch, and debris on the ground, and near the home foundations, as these ants are attracted to moist areas. To escape the cool weather in the fall, the pests may use gaps and cracks around the house to retreat inside. Their foraging trails offer the most visible sign of Argentine ants’ infestations. Traversing up trees, buildings, and even into homes are often seen marching. Being very adaptable, they can nest in a plethora of places. These massive colonies are ruled by hundreds of ants. Generally, needing the moist soil, Argentine ants will nest along sidewalks or beneath boards, next to or under buildings. Preferring sweets, they travel in trails, as they forage for food. They will eat nearly anything as Argentine ants are omnivorous. Argentine ants, as we mentioned earlier, can easily live in soil found under logs, debris or mulch as well as wood. As they nest in in at the base of shrubs and trees, they feed on sweets, honeydew and oily household foods.
Argentine Ant Supercolony
Their colonies are enormous having hundreds of thousands of workers, as the Argentine ant nests support multiple queens, resulting in rapid reproducing rate. Because they are drawn to decay and waste, they spread bacteria wherever they go. They will kill other insects as well as quickly invade human dwellings and their interconnecting colony networks become a massive infestation if given enough time.
Argentine Ant Population
While other ant species have seasonal nuptial swarming flights, Argentine ants do not establish new nests through swarming. A queen Argentine ant will leave her nest on foot to establish new colonies due to temperature or colony pressures, as they mate inside the nest. Because new nests are constructed around the original and often connect to the original colony, workers are sometimes shared between colonies.
Ant Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Since their numbers and the many queens and connecting colonies, these ants can be a challenge to get rid of. Call the experts of Animal Pest Management and let our trained professionals handle the Argentine ants invading your home if you suspect or know you have Argentine ants. Our certified experts have the expertise and advanced equipment and products to ensure these ants are eliminated from your home efficiently and in a timely manner. With our expertise we can take care of any ant infestation you are dealing with. Let our professionals take care of you. Contact us today!
