To most people, ants are ants. The garden variety of ants commonly seen in homes or gardens are normally black or white in colour and aren’t usually considered dangerous pests, or at least ones worth calling the professional exterminators over. A few stomps, or a healthy dose of insecticide may finish the common red or black ants and their nest without a fuss. But, there are other, more exotic ants that require professional attention to deal with due to their more troublesome nature, like the species of ant we’re about to discuss. For more information on rodents, insects, and other pests, along with possible infestations, Quality Affordable Pest Control has all the answers you need.
The Argentine Ant
Linepithema humile, or more commonly known as the Argentine ant, is native to South American countries like the northern part of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil. It is an invasive species, introduced by man to places such as South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Easter Island, Australia, Europe, Hawaii, and the United States. Worker ants of this species are quite tiny, at approximately 1.6–2.8 millimetres long, and Queens of this species are similarly small, with a length of 4.2–6.4 millimetres. Argentine ants are characterized by their smooth, hairless body, antennae with 12 segments, and are either black or dark brown in color.
Invaders!
Argentine ants are known for being an invasive species, and are considered one of the most distressing household pests to have. This particular species of ant is very good at displacing other ant colonies where they go. This in turn negatively affects the ecosystem, which depends on their native ant species to disperse seeds. Additionally, native pests may also be displaced by the Argentine ants, and thus end up causing trouble in the areas they transfer to. It has been observed that Argentine ants have the ability to coexist and even integrate with other Argentine ant colonies, thereby forming supercolonies. The largest of these supercolonies is called “The Very Large Colony” and is speculated to contain up to one trillion individual ants.
Habitat & Behavior
Argentine ants in Vaughan nest underground, within concrete walls, in spaces between boards and timbers, and sometimes even among our belongings. They’re also inclined to dwell in moist areas like under mulch, refuse piles, or home foundations. Their diet consists of honeydew, sweets, and oily foods, along with rotten produce left outside in trash bins.
The Infestation
Argentine ant colonies tend to have multiple queens, and as such, can support more than one nest in an area. Because of their tendency to linger or wander in places with waste and filth, Argentine ants are likely to spread bacteria or disease. This is not the biggest danger, however. Due to the complex nature of their nesting, their preference for cooperation, interconnecting colonies of Argentine ants can lead to a massive infestation in your home or property, with millions of ants and multiple queens per colony, potentially leading to great damage to your property or the surrounding area.
Dealing With An Infestation
Due to the sheer size of Argentine ant colonies, and their ability to reproduce at alarming rates, extermination is a tall order for one individual armed with an insecticide spray. Instead of trying to take on the millions of ants in their nests yourself, it’s a much more safe and worth-it choice to call on the professional pest exterminators. Quality Affordable Pest Control employs fully licensed and insured exterminators who are fully prepared and equipped with extermination products that are 100% safe for humans and pets, and specialized pest extermination techniques that ensure the removal of any pest infestation, including that of Argentine ants.
For Argentine ant nest removals in Toronto, or any other pests disrupting you and the peace in your home, consider calling our experts at Quality Affordable Pest Control. Our commitment to excellence and providing a stress-free commercial and residential extermination service for our clients makes them the prime choice for keeping any pesky pests away from your home and family. Should you need more information on the different kinds of pests and the various benefits of calling on a professional extermination service in Toronto, check out our Blog.