Argentine Ants
The Argentine ant originates from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and southern Brazil, but is now recognised as one of the most invasive species present in many locations across the globe, such as South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Like all other ant species, Argentine ants undergo a developmental process called complete metamorphosis. The time it takes for their development may differ depending on the temperature, but typically their eggs hatch after 28 days, and they become fully grown adults within 74 days.
The appearance of Argentine ant workers is unremarkable, with their colour ranging from light to dark brown. They are small, measuring between 2.2 to 2.8mm in length and tend to travel in defined pathways. When crushed, these ants produce a distinct musty scent.
Argentine queen ants are larger than worker ants, typically measuring 4 to 6mm long. Also, unlike worker ants, reproductive ants may have wings.
Argentine ants tend to dwell beneath logs, debris, and wooden structures. They may also reside in the soil, specifically in cavities beneath trees or shrubs. Their nests are shallow and typically less than 20 cm deep.
The female Argentine ants lay white eggs. After approximately 28 days, the eggs hatch and develop into larvae, which take around 74 days to reach maturity.
Signs of an Argentine Ant Infestation
The presence of wide ant trails is often an indication of an Argentine ant infestation. These ants can be observed travelling along trees, buildings, or even inside homes.
Preventing Argentine Ants
Although taking precautions cannot guarantee the complete prevention of Argentine ants, they are still likely to decrease the likelihood of these ants entering your property.
To prevent Argentine ants from entering your property, it is recommended to declutter the surroundings by eliminating unused building materials and piles of leaves. Avoid keeping firewood near your home, as it may attract Argentine ants.
Regularly trimming trees and bushes outside your property can prevent ants from climbing them to gain access to your home. Reducing moisture around your property by not overwatering plants, ensuring gutters function correctly, and repairing leaky pipes are also advisable.
It is essential to store food in sealed containers or the refrigerator and avoid leaving leftovers on counters or tables. Additionally, it is recommended to seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation immediately.
Handover the Responsibility of Removing Argentine Ants to Us
At Tom’s Pest Control, we are committed to our work, and when you hire us for our ant removal services, we give our 100%. Initially, we comprehensively assess your property to determine the number of Argentine ant colonies in various corners and crevices.
Having removed ants from numerous residential and commercial properties over the years, we know their likely hiding spots extensively. Our team will then inspect your property’s foundation, walls, roofs, kitchens, and garden areas to assess the extent of the infestation. Finally, we will apply appropriate ant removal techniques to eliminate these pests based on our evaluation.
Our technicians have received extensive training to conduct the ant removal process with utmost care and effectiveness. Therefore, if you have pets and children, you can rely on us to undertake the extermination process cautiously. Regardless of the severity of the infestation, we will eliminate all ants from your property without causing any harm to you, your loved ones, or your dwelling.
Call Us
In case you have observed a surge in Argentine ant activity in your home or workplace, it is advisable to seek the services of Tom’s Pest Control experts. Our skilled team possesses the appropriate equipment and expertise to evaluate and eradicate the issue promptly, so please contact us if you have any questions.
Tom’s Pest Control acknowledges that pests can be a nuisance and cause stress, so we take measures to guarantee prompt and efficient solutions on every occasion. Contact us today to witness how our skilled pest control services can safeguard your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Argentine Ants Nest?
Outdoor Argentine ants construct their shallow nests along sidewalks, buildings, and beneath plants, logs, and stones. These ants tend to build their nests in damp soil near different food sources. Upon invading a house, they tend to make their nests behind walls, large appliances, or under floors.
What Kind of Threat Do Argentine Ants Pose?
Argentine ants are a significant threat to public health as they invade homes, yards, and parks for food and water. In addition, they crawl through unsanitary areas such as sewers and garbage cans, making them a potential disease carriers.
Preventive measures against Argentine ants are recommended to avoid getting infected with diseases such as salmonella or e-coli. The presence of these ants in homes, yards, and parks increases the chances of them bringing in dirt, bacteria, and viruses that can cause diseases. Therefore, taking precautions to prevent an infestation and protect oneself and others from potential health risks is crucial.
What Do Argentine Ants Eat?
Argentine ants can consume various foods due to their omnivorous nature, although they have a particular affinity for sweet substances. Therefore, if sweet items like candy or jam are left out in your home, you may observe a trail of Argentine ants transporting the food back to their nests.
