Argentine Ants

Argentine ants, (Iridomyrmex humilis), are an imported species common throughout the southeast and southern California. These ants will nest in soil and mulch, as well as under stones, logs, and debris. They are often found in tree holes, bird nests, leaf litter, and bee hives. These ants form large colonies; workers from different colonies do not fight and will often join together to form larger colonies. This means that areas from which colonies are eliminated can quickly be repopulated. These large colonies will often split by budding during the warmer months. Although Argentine ants form winged reproductives, they do not swarm. They feed on a variety of foods but seem to prefer sweets and will feed on aphid honeydew. They will even feed on fruit crops and are considered an agricultural pest in some areas.

Argentine ant trails are easy to locate along sidewalks, foundations, and along the edges of buildings. If grass grows to the edge of the building it should be pulled back during an inspection. These ants will also move into buildings by climbing up trees onto wires entering buildings, so any place where branches touch buildings should be inspected as well. As with so many other ants, use of a vegetation-free border and correction of moisture problems will help in management of Argentine ants. Insecticide baits are useful for managing this ant.

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