Argentine ants are one of the most difficult household pests to control. Though they are not aggressive their sheer numbers can be overwhelming and they are known to travel long distances in search of food. If you have an Argentine ant problem it is important to take quick and effective action to get rid of them.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with Argentine ants is that baits are key. These ants are not easily controlled with sprays or other methods so baits are essential. There are a variety of baits on the market so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed to kill Argentine ants.
Once you have your bait place it around the perimeter of your home as well as in any areas where you have seen Argentine ants. Be sure to keep children and pets away from the bait as it can be harmful if ingested.
If you have a severe Argentine ant problem you may need to call in a professional pest control company. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. In some cases they may recommend using a combination of baits and sprays to achieve the best results.
No matter what method you use to kill Argentine ants it is important to be patient. These ants can be difficult to control so it may take some time and effort to get rid of them completely. Be sure to follow the instructions on your chosen bait carefully and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. With a little patience you can get rid of Argentine ants for good.
How do you identify an Argentine ant?
Answer: Argentine ants are small (2.
2 to 2.
8 mm) light to golden brown in color and have one node between the thorax and abdomen.
They are smooth and glossy with no petiole.
Where do Argentine ants come from?
Answer: Argentine ants are natives of South America.
What do Argentine ants eat?
Answer: Argentine ants feed on a variety of foods including live and dead insects honeydew other sugars and grease.
How do Argentine ants reproduce?
Answer: Argentine ants can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
The sexual reproduction process involves a winged male and female ant mating.
After the male ant dies the female ant will lay 10-20 eggs per day and can live for up to 7 years.
How do Argentine ants benefit humans?
Answer: Argentine ants do not directly benefit humans.
However they do prey on harmful pests such as cockroaches fleas and silverfish.
How do Argentine ants harm humans?
Answer: Argentine ants are considered pests because they invade homes and buildings in search of food.
They can also contaminate food sources and transmit harmful bacteria.
What is the best way to control Argentine ants?
Answer: The best way to control Argentine ants is to remove their food sources and nesting sites.
This can be done by sealing cracks and holes in buildings removing sources of sweets and grease and regularly cleaning areas where they are known to nest.
What is the best time of year to control Argentine ants?
Answer: The best time of year to control Argentine ants is during the spring and summer when they are most active.
What natural predators do Argentine ants have?
Answer: Argentine ants have few natural predators.
However they are sometimes attacked by lizards snakes and birds.
How do Argentine ants defend themselves?
Answer: Argentine ants defend themselves by biting and stinging.
They also release a pheromone that attracts other ants to the area.
What chemicals do Argentine ants secrete?
Answer: Argentine ants secrete propionic acid which is a chemical that attracts other ants.
How does propionic acid attract other ants?
Answer: Propionic acid is a chemical that is released by Argentine ants.
This chemical attracts other ants to the area.
What is the average life span of an Argentine ant?
Answer: The average life span of an Argentine ant is about 7 years.
How many eggs does an Argentine ant female lay per day?
Answer: An Argentine ant female can lay 10-20 eggs per day.
What is the scientific name for Argentine ants?
Answer: The scientific name for Argentine ants is Linepithema humile.
