Being no stranger to ants, San Antonio locals are familiar with ants that pilfer sugary crumbs in the pantry or deliver painful pinches if people get too close. Where ants in general are fairly identifiable, there are several common ants in our area that include Argentine, carpenter, harvester, little black ant, odorous, pharaoh, red imported ants, southern fire ant, thief, and velvety tree ants. With this in mind, we at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to elaborate on Argentine Ants.
What Do Argentine Ants Look Like?
As they measure about 3/32 – 7/64 inches in length, Argentine ants coloring range from light to dark brown, feature 12 segments on their antennae. Being known for displacing native ants, these ants are an aggressive invasive species. As a home-infesting pest, Argentine ants are also a major nuisance. Beneath piles and debris on the ground, and near the home foundations, they are attracted to moist areas such as mulch. To escape the cool weather in the fall, the pests may use gaps and cracks around the house to retreat inside.
Argentine Ant Supercolony Population
Their colonies are enormous having hundreds of thousands of workers. Argentine ant nests support multiple queens, resulting in rapid reproducing rate. Since they are drawn to decay and waste, they spread bacteria wherever they go. Their interconnecting colony networks become a massive infestation if given enough time. Their foraging trails are the most visible sign of Argentine ants. You can see their marching trails traversing up trees, buildings, and even into homes. Being exceptionally adaptable, Argentine ants can nest in a plethora of locations and habitats. Ruling these massive colonies, are hundreds of queens. A few examples as to where Argentine ants will nest generally entail moist soil, next to or under buildings and along sidewalks or beneath boards. Preferring sweets, as they forage for food they will travel in trails. Since they will eat anything, Argentine ants are omnivorous Argentine ants can easily live in soil found under logs, debris or mulch as well as wood, as previously mentioned. The base of shrubs and trees are also common places they nest. Sweets, honeydew and oily household foods Argentine ants are the same size and will feed. While other ant species have seasonal nuptial swarming flights Argentine ants do not establish new nests through swarming. To establish new colonies due to temperature or colony pressures a queen Argentine ant will leave her nest on foot and they mate inside the nest. Because new nests are constructed around the original and often connect to the original colony workers are sometimes shared. Since their numbers and the many queens and connecting colonies, these ants can be a challenge to get rid of.
Ant Control & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
Call the experts of A Five Star Termite & Pest Control should you suspect or know you have Argentine ants in or around your home should you suspect or know you have Argentine ants in or around your home. Our trained professionals handle the Argentine ants invading your home as we use effective premium products to ensure these pests are completely eliminated. We are happy to assist you with ant infestation issue. Contact us today!
