Argentine ants are everywhere. An invasive species of ant, these prolific pests pose several problems for any homeowner. They swarm in large numbers, stealing food and spreading disease while being incredibly difficult to deter, let alone remove once they've taken root.
You've come to the right place if you're worried about argentine ants near your Bay Area home. Here, we'll outline everything you need to know about these eusocial foragers, from how they got here, how they spread, and what to do if they end up in your house. Read on to discover the key to successful pest control in the Bay Area.
Are Argentine Ants An Invasive Species?
Argentine ants were originally native to South America but now are in many places worldwide, including the Bay Area. They were inadvertently spread worldwide by merchant ships from Brazil in 1800. They're small, light brown, and emit a musty odor when crushed.
As an invasive species, they're surprisingly resilient and can completely take over your property if you let them. The most obvious sign of an infestation will be rows of ants marching along searching for food. If you see an abundance of insects crawling around, there may be an Argentine ant queen on your property.
What To Know About The Lifecycle Of Argentine Ants
An Argentine ant infestation on your property is difficult, especially considering how prolific these insects' lifecycle undergo. Contrary to popular belief, argentine ants can have multiple queens in a single colony. For every 1,000 workers, there can be as many as 15 queen ants. They reproduce in a unique budding process, resulting in multiple massive interconnected nests known as supercolonies. All of this means that the sooner you take action against these prolific pests, the better.
Getting Rid Of Argentine Ants
Argentine ants in the Bay Area can be tough to deter, let alone remove once they've taken root. They reproduce at an astounding rate, often resulting in interconnected supercolonies, but even if an infestation never reaches that severe point, it won't be easy to treat by yourself. Regardless, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips for getting rid of Argentine ants:
- Eliminate excess moisture
- Seal cracks and crevices
- Install door sweeps and window screens
- Clean and declutter around the home
- Practice proper food storage using airtight containers
- Practice proper garbage disposal
- Trim tree branches and foliage overhanging your home
The steps above provide an essential foundation for Argentine ant control, but these pests are notorious for their ability to bounce back from pest control treatments. They reproduce incredibly quickly and are as elusive as their small size allows. If even a tiny pocket of ants is left alive, the colony will make a quick comeback. Although it can seem insurmountable, there's one last surefire pest control method we've yet to mention.
Total Ant Control For Bay Area Residents
The best means of argentine ant control in the Bay Area is to partner with the professionals. Whether you're struggling with an ongoing infestation or want to protect yourself from the possibility, we're here to help. Reach out to our experts at Bay Pest Solution Inc for a fast, effective ant control solution. You don't have to let these tiny insects take control of your home. Our trained technicians are only a call away, equipped with the cutting edge in tools and techniques to provide complete protection against any pest, argentine ants included.
Schedule your inspection today, and find out what the experts at Bay Pest Solution Inc can do for you.