Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are an invasive species from South America that have established massive super-colonies across the southern and western United States. Unlike most ant species, Argentine ant colonies cooperate rather than compete, forming interconnected networks that can span entire city blocks. Workers are small and uniformly brown, traveling in wide, conspicuous trails that can include thousands of individuals. They are the dominant ant pest in California and much of the Gulf Coast. A single super-colony may contain millions of workers and thousands of queens.
Species in This Group (1)
Key Behaviors
Argentine ants are extremely aggressive toward native ant species, displacing them from entire ecosystems. They tend aphids and other honeydew-producing insects on landscape plants. During dry or wet extremes, they invade structures in enormous numbers seeking moisture or shelter, trailing along foundation edges and plumbing lines.
Risks & Concerns
While they do not bite, sting, or cause structural damage, Argentine ants are overwhelming nuisance pests that contaminate food and invade homes in massive numbers. Their displacement of native ant species disrupts local ecosystems. Their super-colony structure makes them extraordinarily difficult to eliminate with conventional treatments.
Need Help With Argentine ants?
If you're seeing signs of argentine ants in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.