Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are one of the invasive species of ants in Georgia, forming massive supercolonies that displace native species. They have a habit of leaving pheromone trails everywhere they forage, making them highly successful but stubborn pests that contaminate food and spread bacteria.
Argentine Ants in Georgia
Argentine ants are major household and garden pests in Georgia. When searching for food, they leave pheromone trails everywhere they go, instead of just from nest to food source. This habit ensures they never visit the same area twice. Workers from different colonies cooperate with each other, allowing them to form large super-colonies. Argentine ant colonies can become so large that they can take over whole city blocks! They are ranked among the most stubborn home-infesting pests, contaminating and spreading bacteria wherever they forage.
What Do Argentine Ants Look Like?
Argentine ants are relatively small, measuring about 2.2 to 2.8mm long. They have smooth, shiny bodies that range from light brown to dark brown in color. Unlike some other ant species, Argentine ants do not emit a strong odor when crushed. Worker ants are wingless, while reproductive queens and males possess wings during the mating season. Their physical characteristics make them easy to confuse with other invasive ants, such as pharaoh ants and odorous house ants, but their cooperative colony structure and foraging habits set them apart.
Signs of an Argentine Ant Infestation
Recognizing the signs of an Argentine ant infestation is critical for early intervention. Common indicators include:
- Long, distinct trails of ants: Worker ants often form continuous trails as they forage for food, particularly near kitchens or pantries.
- Nests in moist or warm areas: Look for nests in sun-baked soil, under rocks, at the base of trees, or in wall cracks. Indoors, nests are often located near water pipes, sinks, and potted plants.
- Contaminated food or visible activity: Ants gathering around sugary spills, food crumbs, or trash bins are a common sign of infestation.
- High activity near water sources: Argentine ants are attracted to moisture, so they often infest areas with leaky pipes, irrigation lines, or clogged gutters.
If these signs are present, contact Active pest control experts to deal with the current problem and prevent further infestation.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Where Do Argentine Ants Live?
Argentine ants prefer to nest under sun-baked soil and may even clean the nest area of vegetation in order to warm their nests. However, they also need water. Drip irrigation lines provide a perfect source of water and can serve as superhighways for ants to form new colonies. Setting up quarters anywhere close to food, Argentine ants nest in the ground, in concrete wall cracks, and at the base of trees. When the weather gets too dry or too wet, these ants invade homes through cracks and crevices and are found near water pipes, sinks, and potted plants. Once inside, they forage for food, feeding on meat, eggs, oils, fats, and sweet items like fruit.
Diet
Argentine ants are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet. They consume protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and fats, as well as sweet substances such as honeydew from aphids and mealybugs. Their relationship with aphids and mealybugs is symbiotic, as they protect these insects in exchange for a steady supply of honeydew. Indoors, Argentine ants are drawn to sugary spills, ripe fruit, and food crumbs left in kitchens and pantries.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Argentine ants consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Argentine ant colonies often contain multiple queens, each capable of laying hundreds of eggs. Worker ants care for the eggs, larvae, and queens, ensuring the rapid growth and expansion of the colony. This ability to reproduce quickly allows colonies to establish interconnecting nests, forming extensive supercolonies.
Behaviours
Argentine ants are highly organized and cooperative. Unlike other species that restrict pheromone trails to specific routes, Argentine ants create expansive networks of trails, aiding in efficient foraging. They protect aphids and other insects like mealybugs to harvest honeydew, a primary food source. This behavior not only ensures their survival but also contributes to the displacement of native ant species and the disruption of local ecosystems.
Are Argentine Ants Dangerous?
Although they don’t pose any serious health threats, the sheer population size of an Argentine ant colony is enough to cause chaos in any household. Because they need water to survive, bare dirt borders near irrigation ditches can be chronically infested with ants. Most ants only deposit pheromone trails on their way back to the nest from the food source. However, Argentine ants leave behind pheromone trails to and from a food resource. This increases the chances of contaminating food sources with bacteria, especially when they invade kitchens, pantries, or areas where food is prepared.
Because colony size increases quickly, they can rapidly form interconnecting colonies that can lead to a massive infestation. Their ability to displace native ant species and other beneficial insects can disrupt local ecosystems, making them a danger to biodiversity. Additionally, their sheer numbers can compromise the structural integrity of gardens and outdoor spaces.
If an Argentine ant infestation is suspected, it is best to contact a professional ant exterminator. Professional pest control services like Active Pest Control can ensure these ants are removed effectively, minimizing health risks and preventing re-infestation.
How to Get Rid of Argentine Ants
Getting rid of Argentine ants can be challenging due to their large colonies and interconnected nests. Effective control typically involves targeted baiting systems designed to eliminate worker ants and queens, disrupting the colony’s structure. Professional ant control services like Active are often essential, as experts can assess the infestation’s extent and implement customized strategies to eradicate the ants and prevent their return.
Reducing access to food and water sources is also critical; without these essentials, the ants are less likely to thrive. While DIY methods may offer temporary relief, they rarely address the underlying colony structure, making professional intervention the most reliable solution for lasting results.
Argentine Ant Prevention Tips
Preventing Argentine ant infestations requires proactive steps to make your home less appealing to these pests. Start by sealing entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines, with caulk or weatherstripping. Address moisture issues by fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage, and eliminating standing water. Maintaining a clean environment is equally important—store food in airtight containers, clean spills immediately, and dispose of trash regularly.
Conducting routine property inspections can help you spot early signs of ant nests, allowing you to take swift action before the colony grows. These measures work together to reduce the risk of infestation and keep your home clean and safe.
Do You Have an Ant Infestation Problem? We Can Help.
Dealing with an Argentine ant infestation can be overwhelming, especially due to their large colonies and persistent behaviors. Fortunately, help is just a call away. At Active Pest Control, we specialize in effective ant control services designed to address even the most challenging infestations.
Our team of experts understands the unique behaviors of Argentine ants, including their tendency to form interconnected supercolonies, and uses proven methods to eliminate them.
Whether they’ve taken over your kitchen, garden, or outdoor spaces, we’ll develop a tailored plan to reclaim your property. Don’t let these invasive pests disrupt your home—trust Active Pest Control to provide the professional solutions you need for long-term relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Argentine ants bite
Argentine ants do not bite humans but can contaminate food and surfaces as they forage, posing indirect health risks.
Do Argentine ants have wings?
Worker ants do not have wings, but reproductive queens and males develop wings during mating season to establish new colonies.
Why are Argentine ants bad
Argentine ants are invasive pests that displace native ant species, contaminate food, and form massive supercolonies, leading to persistent infestations.
Are Argentine ants invasive?
Yes, they are highly invasive and known for their ability to outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems.
Do Argentine ants sting
No. Argentine ants do not sting, but their aggressive foraging habits and rapid colony expansion make them a significant nuisance. Unlike trap-jaw ants, known for their powerful mandibles, or tawny crazy ants, which can neutralize fire ant venom with formic acid, Argentine ants rely on their sheer numbers and persistent behavior to outcompete other species. Their ability to displace native ants and establish supercolonies highlights their invasive nature, making professional pest control essential for effective management.
