In recent years, homeowners and businesses in metro Atlanta, Georgia, have been experiencing increased pest problem. These ants came from Southern Brazil in South America. They have spread widely across the United States, including Atlanta.
While these ants may seem like a small nuisance at first, they create a serious concern when it comes to effective pest control treatments. This article will help you identify Argentine ants, understand their behavior, and discuss effective ways of control and prevention.
What Are Argentine Ants?
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile mayr, formerly Iridomyrmex humilis ) are small, light to dark brown ants that are known for their large colony sizes. Unlike native ants, which have distinctive nesting sites, argentine ant colonies are supercolonies. A super colony broad and connected networks of multiple nests. These insects have complete metamorphosis with 4 stages of life: egg, larva, pupa and adult.
This makes them difficult to eliminate once they’ve invaded a property. These invasive species are commonly found in homes, kitchens, and other areas where food is plentiful..
How to Identify Argentine Ants in Your Home or Business
Argentine ants are identifiable by several physical and behavioral traits:
- Size and Color: These ants are typically 1/8 inch in length and can vary in color from light brown to dark brown. Workers can be considerable smaller size than the queens.
- Non-stinging: Unlike other species, Argentine ants do not sting, but they still contaminate human food sources.
- Swarming Behavior: During the summer, the winged queens mate with winged males called alates or reproductives. They can have large swarms, with nests containing hundreds of thousands ton millions of adults and workers. Check out this article on ant swarming behavior.
- Trail Formation: Argentine ants travel in long, continuous lines that are often visible near food sources and outside colonies.
If you’ve noticed a steady trail of of ants inside or outside your property, near water sources like kitchens or bathrooms, you may be experiencing an Argentine ant infestation.
Why Are Argentine Ants a Problem in Atlanta?
The spread of Argentine ants in Atlanta has become a growing concern for a number of reasons:
- Invasive Nature: Argentine ants outcompete native ant species for food and nesting sites, disrupting local ecosystems. Their super colonies often grow rapidly, making them harder to control.
- Food Contamination: These ants are notorious for invading kitchens, pantries, and other food storage areas. They are especially attracted to sugary substances and proteins.
- Health Risks: While not directly harmful to humans, Argentine ants can spread bacteria and other pathogens, posing a potential health risk to households and businesses. To read more about health risks of ants read this article form the National Library Of Medicine.
- Property Damage: In some cases, Argentine ants can damage plants and crops, particularly in gardens or agricultural settings.
How to Control Argentine Ants in Atlanta, GA
If you’re dealing with Argentine ants in your home or business, it’s important to act fast before the infestation worsens. Here are some proven strategies for controlling and eliminating Argentine ants:
- Reduce Food Sources
- Keep food stored in sealed Tupperware containers.
- Clean up food crumbs, drink spills, clean counters, sweep and mop floors.
- Pick pet food up and try not to leave it out overnight.
- Clean excess leaf litter around the property.
2. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect your home or business for cracks or gaps, in walls, wood trim crevices, windows and doors jams.
- Apply caulk and weather stripping to these areas to prevent ants from training in your home.
3. Use Baiting Stations
- Argentine ants love sweet foods, so sweet ant baits bait containing boric acid is an effective solution. The ants will carry the bait back to the colony feeding it to the larva, eventually eliminating it.
- Place baits along common ant trails and cracks to entice the ants to use it.
4. Natural Remedies
- Botanical oils like rosemary oil, peppermint, and cedar oil can act as natural deterrents. Mix them with water and spray around entry points and activity areas. Keep in mind that this may be short lived and could have a strong undesirable smell.
- Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide that can be applied around the foundation of your home to create a treatment barrier against ants.
5. Ants Pest Control Services
- In cases of severe infestation, it may be best to contact a pest control and extermination company that specializes in services for Argentine ants. Professional exterminators can identify the size and scope of the infestation and provide targeted treatments to control ants and insects. Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal provides services for pest control in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. Learn more at our about us page here.
Preventing Future Infestations of Argentine Ants
Prevention is key to solving future infestations. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Routine Inspections
- Do routine inspect your yard for signs of ants, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.
- Maintain Cleanliness and Landscaping
- Keep both indoor and outdoor areas clean and free from debris. Wood piles, rotting wood, thick bushes and piles of organic debris can attract ants. Trim bushes and clean the property regularly to prevent ant nests.
- Moisture Control
- Repair broken drainage pipes, clean and fix gutters, and any other sources of standing water around your property. Argentine ants thrive in damp environments.
Conclusion
Argentine ants in Atlanta, GA, can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience to a major problem if left unchecked. By understanding their behavior, taking immediate control measures, and maintaining a preventative strategy, you can protect your home or business from these persistent pests. Whether you choose to handle the issue yourself or hire a professional pest control service, addressing the problem early on is the best way to ensure your space remains ant-free.
For more information or assistance with Argentine ant control in Atlanta, don’t hesitate to contact local pest management professionals who can offer tailored solutions for your specific needs.
Smart Solutions Ant Control Services
If you’re experiencing problems with Argentine ants, contact Smart Solution Wildlife Removal! Get expert help to protect your home or business from these pest invaders. We provide full service pest control, wildlife removal, mosquito and termite control services. Learn more about our ant control and pest control services here.
