Argentine Ants

The Argentine ant is one of the most common types of ants in the United States. These pests are native to South America but have made their way into many homes and businesses in the US. These small creatures can be a big nuisance if they invade your home or property. 

 

Even in your business, like in a commercial space or restaurant, especially if you own Blue Bonnet Bakery in Fort Worth, Texas, which sells pastries and other sweet desserts. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about Argentine ants, including how to identify them, their diet and habitat, and how to get rid of them.

What are Argentine Ants, and What Do They Look Like?

Argentine ants are small, light to dark brown ants that measure about 1/8 of an inch in length. They have an uneven thorax, and petiole nodes directly behind its thorax. Argentine ants also have segmented antennae features which have 12 elbowed segments.

The worker ants are small, wingless creatures that can vary in length from 1/12th inch to just under an inch. The queen is larger than two to four times the length of the workers. Queens may also have wings but don’t swarm when mating.

Where Do Argentine Ants Come From?

Argentine ants are native to South America, specifically Brazil, Uruguay, and Northern Argentina. The Argentine ant is a globally distributed invader in urban, natural, and agricultural habitats. They are known for their large colonies, with hundreds or even thousands of workers. Each colony has multiple queens that can lay thousands of eggs in one season. The Argentine ant is very adaptive to different climates, contributing to its success as an invasive species.

Argentine Ants Behavior

Argentine ants are very social creatures that live in large colonies. These colonies could have thousands of workers and multiple queens. The Argentine ant is a very invasive species and will displace native ants from their homes.

Argentine ants are efficient foragers that follow regular trails when searching for food, and winged queens can sometimes be found among trailing workers. Unlike most ants who only deposit pheromone trails on their way back to the nest from a food source, the Argentine ant will deposit pheromone trails both to and from a food source. This behavioral pattern ensures more productivity in finding a food sources and does not waste time revisiting previously visited areas.

Argentine Ants Diet and Habitat

Argentine ants are opportunistic feeders and consume just about anything from dead animals to all kinds of human and pet food. They also prefer sweet foods like honeydew (a sugary substance secreted by aphids), nectar, and other plant sugars. However, they will also eat insects, grease, meats, and other protein sources.

Argentine ants prefer to build their nests in moist environments near food sources. When outside, they build their nests in wet locations like under boards or stones, beside plants, and even along sidewalks. However, Argentine ants can enter homes in large numbers when the environment outside is not favorable for them. They will still nest near sources of moisture, such as water pipes and sinks. One common way they gain entry into your home may be by trailing along tree branches or utility lines such as electrical wires.

What Kind of Damage Can Argentine Ants Cause?

Argentine ants do not bite or sting. However, they can still be a nuisance if they invade your home or business. Argentine ants are known for their sweet tooth, which is why they are attracted to kitchens and pantries. However, if they get into these areas, they can contaminate food and spread bacteria. That’s why 

These pests can also damage plants. Argentine ants protect aphids and other honeydew-producing insects from predators allowing the pest population to increase and weaken the plant. This allows sooty mold that blackens foliage and fruit as well!

How to Get Rid of Argentine Ants?

If you have Argentine ants in your home or business, it is important to take action immediately. These pests can be difficult to control and quickly multiply if left untreated. Some people choose to do this themselves, while others prefer to hire a professional pest control company.

To get rid of Argentine ants, start by identifying where they nest. This can be done by following their trails. Once you have found their nest, you can treat it with an insecticide or a natural repellent.

Argentine ants forage into shrubs or trees in search of honeydew-producing insects. To keep them out of your yard, trim back any branches or vegetation that touch your home.

In some cases, Argentine ants can be difficult to get rid of and may require multiple treatments. Contact a professional pest control company if you cannot get rid of them. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and provide you with a customized treatment plan.

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