What do Argentine ants look like?
Natives of South America, Argentine ants are a small species of ant, usually about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. These social insects are light to dark brown in color and have a segmented body.
When are argentine ants most active?
Are Argentine ants dangerous?
Argentine ants are not directly dangerous to humans in terms of bites or stings. However, they can be a considerable nuisance when they infest homes and businesses, and can also contaminate food. They’re considered nuisance pests because they damage plants and are also known to displace native ant species and disrupt eco-systems.
Where are Argentine ants commonly found?
Argentine ants can be found in a variety of habitats, but they are often associated with urban and suburban environments. They nest in soil, under debris, and in wall voids, and they forage for food both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, they are often found near water pipes, sinks, potted plants, and in the walls of bathrooms and kitchens, as well as crawl spaces.
How do Argentine ants get inside?
Like other crawling insects, these ants often enter homes and buildings through cracks, gaps, and openings on the exterior of the structure. Unfortunately, once they find a way in, they’ll leave behind trails for other Argentine ants to follow.
What do Argentine ants eat?
Argentine ants prefer sugary or greasy foods but aren’t exactly picky. They’ll also eat meats, eggs, and other insects as well as the sweet honey dew produced by aphids.
How do I know if I have Argentine ants?
Signs of an Argentine ant infestation may include the presence of small, uniformed sized ants inside or trails of ants traveling on the sides of buildings and trees.
Is it hard to get rid of Argentine ants on your own?
It can be. Using over-the-counter insect sprays only targets the population foraging in and around your home or business. These DIY products do not address the source of the infestation, and since Argentine ants are notorious for re-infesting year after year, it is imperative to eliminate the entire colony.
How do I get rid of Argentine ants?
To eliminate an Argentine ant infestation, professional pest control is the best option. At Harris Pest Control, we offer affordable ant control that includes a free inspection and effective ant treatments for homes and businesses in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions of South Carolina. If you’re dealing with Argentine ants or other types of ants in and around your home or business, we’re ready to help!
Can I prevent an Argentine ant problem?
To discourage Argentine ants from infesting your home or business, we highly recommend implementing good sanitation habits. Since these ants are attracted to sweets and other foods, you should keep your trash cans covered and clean up drinks and food particles on the floor, counters, or anywhere else. We also suggest eliminating standing water, sealing up openings on the exterior of your structure, picking up yard debris, and trimming back tree limbs and other landscape elements that touch the side of your home or business.
