Argentine Ants in McAlpin
Argentine ants are major household and garden pests in McAlpin. These ants leave a pheromone trail wherever they go, rather than just from their nest to their food source. By leaving a trail at all locations, the ants will never visit the same area more than once. Workers from outside colonies will cooperate with one another, leading to the development of supercolonies. These colonies can become so large that they can take over multiple city blocks. This persistence has earned them the label of one of the most stubborn home-infesting pests. Further, their presence contaminates and spreads bacteria wherever they forage.
Argentine Ant Habitats
Argentine ants prefer to nest under sun-baked soil and may even clean the nest area of vegetation to warm their nests. When looking for water, these ants will often use drip irrigation lines as a source. The lines are considered ‘superhighways’ for the ants to form new colonies. They will set up living areas close to their food source and nest at the base of trees, in the ground, and in concrete wall cracks. When the weather becomes too wet or too dry, they will begin home invasions through cracks and crevices that usually occur near sinks, potted plants, and water pipes. After entering the home, they will look for food, feeding on eggs, fats, oils, meat, and sweet items like fruit.
Argentine Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While the Argentine ant doesn’t bring serious health issues, their population size can wreak havoc in any household. Since they need water for survival, bare dirt borders close to irrigation ditches are frequently infested with these ants. Unique to the Argentine ant is their habit of leaving a pheromone trail everywhere they go, rather than just on their way back to the nest from a food source. Their colonies are known to expand rapidly, making large infestations a common problem with these ants. If an Argentine ant infestation is suspected, it is best to contact a professional ant exterminator.
