Argentine ants tend to inhabit areas beneath wood, logs, and debris, as well as a nest in soil within holes at the base of shrubs and trees. Their nests are shallow and typically at most 20cm.
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What Is Argentine Ants?
This breed of ants originates from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and southern Brazil and are classified as one of the most invasive species found globally. These ants are frequently observed in 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 duration of this process can vary depending on temperature. However, typically their eggs hatch within 28 days, and the ants reach adulthood within 74 days on average.
Identification
Argentine ant workers are typically light to dark brown and have a standard appearance. These tiny creatures measure between 2.2 and 2.8 mm long and frequently move in well-defined trails. When crushed, they emit a musty odour.
In contrast, Argentine queen ants are larger than worker ants and typically measure 4 and 6mm long. In addition, while the worker ants are wingless, reproductive ants may have wings.
Female Argentine ants lay white eggs, and after around 28 days, larvae hatch from these eggs and mature into adulthood within 74 days.
Signs of an Argentine Ant Infestation
The presence of broad ant trails is a typical indication of an Argentine ant infestation, which may be observed as they move along trees, buildings, or into homes.
Preventing Argentine Ants
Although taking precautions cannot entirely prevent an Argentine ant infestation, they can significantly reduce the likelihood of their entry into your property.
- Removing unused building materials and piles of fallen leaves to clear clutter around your property is recommended. Also, avoid storing firewood near your home, which can attract Argentine ants.
- Frequently trim trees and bushes outside your property, as ants can use them to enter your home.
- Minimising areas of moisture around your property is also essential. You can do so by not overwatering your plants, ensuring your gutters function correctly, and fixing any leaky pipes immediately.
- Always store food in sealed containers or the refrigerator and avoid leaving food leftovers on counters or tables.
- If there are any cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, it is recommended to seal them immediately.
Handover the Responsibility of Removing Argentine Ants to Us
At Tom’s Pest Control, we are committed to providing high-quality ant removal services. When you hire us, we ensure that we give 100 per cent effort. Our first step is to comprehensively assess your property to determine the number of Argentine ant colonies in various nooks and crannies.
With years of experience removing ants from numerous homes and offices, we know where to look for these pests. Our team will inspect various areas of your property, including the foundation, walls, roofs, kitchens, and gardens, to determine the level of infestation. Based on our assessment, we will employ appropriate ant removal strategies to eliminate these pests effectively.
Our skilled technicians are trained to carry out ant removal procedures safely and effectively. Therefore, even if you have pets and kids at home, you can rely on us to perform the extermination procedure with utmost care. Regardless of the size of the infestation, we guarantee the complete removal of ants from your property without causing any harm to you, your family, or your home.
Call Us
If you have observed a surge of Argentine ants in your home or business, it is advisable to contact the experts at Tom’s Pest Control Canberra. Our knowledgeable team possesses the tools and expertise to assess and resolve the issue promptly. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns or worries, and we will quickly address them.
We acknowledge that pests can be a significant source of trouble and stress, and at Tom’s Pest Control, we strive to provide prompt and effective solutions every time. Therefore, please do not delay and contact us today to discover how our proficient pest control services can safeguard your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Argentine Ants Nest?
Argentine ants dwelling outside construct shallow nests near sidewalks, buildings, and underneath plants, logs, and stones. These ants prefer damp soil near different food sources to build their nests. Upon intruding homes, they often establish colonies behind walls, large appliances, or floors.
What Kind of Threat Do Argentine Ants Pose?
Argentine ants present a considerable hazard to public health since they invade houses, gardens, and parks for food and water. They also roam through sewers, garbage cans, and other unclean spaces in search of their next meal.
Argentine ants can track dirt, bacteria, and viruses into your home, increasing the risk of spreading salmonella and e-coli. Taking preventative measures against these ants is a wise choice to avoid such health risks.
What Do Argentine Ants Eat?
Argentine ants are known to have an omnivorous diet, enabling them to consume various types of foods. However, they have an attraction to sweet foods. Thus, if sweet food items such as candy or jam are dropped in your home, you may find a trail of Argentine ants carrying it back to their nests.
