Argentine ants are an invasive species from northern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This species has been introduced into areas across the globe through trading goods, including the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Ecosystems are delicate, and any disruption can cause a chain reaction and put animals and plants at risk. Argentine ants are one of the worst invasive species because they are aggressive and prolific breeders, creating super-sized colonies. They overwhelm ecosystems that are not equipped to handle such an animal. These ants are 1/16th of an inch long and light to dark brown.
However, queens can be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long. Like odorous house ants, Argentine ants will emit a musty smell when crushed. Not only do Argentine ants pose problems to the ecosystem, but they can affect your Santa Clarita, CA home as well, which is why you should know what they look like and how to prevent and treat pests in your home.
Problems With Argentine Ants
Argentine ants cause large and small-scale problems. Because they are not native to the area, they displace native ant species out of the area. This can through an entire ecosystem out of balance as other animals depend on native ants. Crops and gardens are susceptible to damage due to the relationship between Argentine ants and certain aphids. These aphids eat plans and create a sweet substance known as honeydew. In exchange for protection, Argentine ants get the honeydew they love. This leaves aphids to reproduce without threat and attack gardens and crops.
With no surprise, Argentine ants are among the worst home-invading species because they invade in large numbers, contaminate food, and spread bacteria. Argentine ant colonies are made up of multiple queens, often hundreds and hundreds of thousands of ants. Do you need us to tell you how terrible they would be if they got inside your home?
Argentine Ants Prevention
Prevention tips for Argentine ants are the same for most other ant species. Try reducing or removing the following attractive factors:
- Argentine ants eat a variety of foods from meat, dead insects, and pet food. But they have a particular taste for sweets.
- Keep food in air-tight containers, clean out cabinets, clean up spills and rinse cans and containers before putting them in the garbage.
- If treating for other pests, make sure to clean up dead insects.
- Choose plants that don't attract aphids that produce honeydew.
- Make certain plants are not providing nesting spaces for ants.
- Keep branches and leaves from touching your home. Ants can use trees as highways to get into your home.
- Seal any possible entry points, cracks, and crevices in the foundation and around windows and doors.
- Make sure outdoor trashcans have tight-fitting lids.
- Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables.
- Try to keep much away from your home, and if you need to use mulch, don't use too much to keep ants from nesting in it.
- Don't over-water mulched areas and potted plants.
- Eliminate standing water such as in birdbaths, flowerpots, and outdoor furniture.
- Remove firewood piles as they can provide a nesting site for Argentine ants.
The best way to prevent and treat an Argentine ant infestation is with help from professionals. Store-bought products ineffective and will end up causing you money and stress.
Professional Argentine Ant Control
For total Argentine ant control, contact the professionals at CVA Exterminators for assistance. CVA Exterminators is a local, family-owned, and operated pest control company that understands our Santa Clarita, California customers' needs. To get started with our home pest control or commercial exterminator services, contact us today.