There are an astounding 12,000 or so ant species found throughout the world, and the estimated number of individual ants is one quadrillion. This is so large that it’s impossible for the human brain to truly comprehend, but it illustrates just how many ants there are.
These pests can be found almost anywhere in all environments, but thankfully, there aren’t 12,000 species found in our area. There are, however, many invasive species, and one of these is the Argentine ant. Find out more about these problematic ants and how to remove them with Aiken pest control services.
Should I Be Worried If I See One Argentine Ant On My Property?
Argentine ants are a reasonably small ant species at only around ½ an inch long. They are usually light to dark brown, but it can be difficult to tell them apart since they look like many other common ants in Aiken.
One of the best ways to tell if you have Argentine ants is to note where you see them. These ants usually live under organic debris like mulch, leaf piles, and firewood when outside. When they get indoors, the ants travel together in trails where they move back and forth between their nests and the food they eat.
So, the simple answer to the question “Should you be worried if you see one Argentine ant?" is yes. These ants aren’t going to invade one at a time. They have large colonies, and if you happen to see one, there likely are many more that you aren’t seeing.
The Problems Argentine Ants Can Cause In Your House
Argentine ants generally live outdoors, but they will seek food sources. If they make their way into your home, they quickly become invasive and overwhelming. Their colonies can contain hundreds of thousands of ants, making it difficult to keep their numbers under control.
The other reason why ant control is particularly challenging for this species is that they may have multiple queens in the colony. Even if you eliminate one queen, there will likely be more. And, often using DIY ant control to remove them only results in some of the ants splintering off to form a new colony.
While Argentine ants luckily aren’t known to be dangerous, they can still contaminate the food you eat and spread themselves throughout your home. This can be pretty disgusting to combat.
How To Prevent An Argentine Ant Infestation
Removal and prevention of Argentine ants are a challenge, but you can take steps to deter them. If you’ve had an infestation of these ants before, these tips can also help you prevent a new one. Here’s where to start:
- Focus on cleaning up food and drink spills right away.
- Keep kitchen floors clean and regularly clean out pantries and cupboards.
- Reduce excess humidity around the property by removing standing water.
- Fix broken screens and install door sweeps and weather stripping.
Contact our pest control experts at Aiken Pest Control today if you need more assistance with ant prevention.
How Do I Get Rid Of Argentine Ants In My Home?
If you are currently experiencing an Argentine ant infestation in your home, you will not be able to remove them on your own. Because of their sheer numbers, the only reliable way to remove them is with professional home pest control plans. Find out more or request a quote by calling Aiken Pest Control today.