Argentine ants are unable to dig deep nests so they tend to take up residence in the cracks of concrete, wooden floorboards, and even human belongings. They may also make a home in shallow leaf litter. Researchers have discovered three "supercolonies" of these ants, genetically related on three different continents, with the one in Europe spanning 6,000 km.
Bite Humans
General Info About Argentine ant
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Attributes of Argentine ant
Colors
Brown
Habitat
wet and dry area
Adult Food Sources
Sweet substances (e.g., nectar), aphid honeydew, seeds, insects and other small arthropods, human foods (e.g., meats, oils, fats)
Larva Food Source
Insect secretions (e.g., trophallaxis from adults), liquids regurgitated by workers, soft-bodied insects, aphid honeydew, fungi
Non-poisonous
The Argentine ant is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Argentine ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Argentine ant
It is an invasive species that has been established in many Mediterranean climate areas, inadvertently introduced by humans to many places, including South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Easter Island, Australia, Europe, Hawaii, and continental United States. The ants are ranked among the world's 100 worst animal invaders.
Distribution Area of Argentine ant
In at least 15 countries throughout the world, on six continents, many oceanic islands
Appearance of Argentine ant
The worker ants are 1.5 - 2.5 mm long. Queens are 4.5 - 6 mm long, much smaller than other species of ants.
Egg The initial stage of the argentine ant is the egg, which is laid by the queen and tiny in size. The egg is often oval and translucent, developing into a larva after a period of incubation.
Larva In this stage, the argentine ant resembles a white, legless grub, primarily focused on consuming food provided by adult workers. The larva sheds its skin multiple times as it grows.
Pupal Upon reaching a certain size, the larva spins a cocoon around itself, forming a pupa. Inside, the argentine ant begins the transformation to adult form, with its limbs and features hidden in a pupal case.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult argentine ant's development is marked by the presence of wings for reproductive individuals and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Youth Habitat of Argentine ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
Adult Habitat of Argentine ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
How Can You Attract Argentine ant
Sugary substances, proteins or greasy foods can be used as bait to attract argentine ant, as they are omnivorous and will be attracted to a variety of food sources.
Habitat Preferences of Argentine ant Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of argentine ant are usually found in the concealed and humid environment of the nest, often underground or within structures. Larvae require nourishment and protection, therefore, they are located in the brood chambers close to food sources inside the nest. Pupae develop in similar conditions, surrounded by workers that maintain the necessary temperature and humidity. To observe these stages, one must carefully excavate the nest, ensuring minimal disturbance. Adult argentine ant, being foragers, are most commonly found on trails or near food sources, and searching for them involves following their well-established trails or locating the nest entrances from where workers emerge.
When is the Best Time to Observe Argentine ant
The best time to find argentine ant is usually during warm weather when they are most active. This is typically in the late spring through to early fall.
What is the Best Weather to Observe Argentine ant
Dry, warm conditions are ideal for finding argentine ant, as they prefer to forage for food and might be more visible on the surface during these conditions.
Are Argentine ant harmful?
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Argentine ant can frequently enter inside for food and damage them. Argentine ant is invasive and can threaten the livelihood of local ants and plants where they invade into.
Are Argentine ant harmful to humans?
Defensive attack. Despite being strongly aggressive, argentine ants usually don't attack humans proactively. They might bite when feeling threatened, and while their bites cause pain, there is usually no more serious consequences. They are sting-free and therefore don't sting.
Constant disturbance. Once ants find food in the home space, they leave behind smell marks along the route and an army of ants would march here constantly to collect more food. Usually, ants are not disease vectors, but they may smudge food which is quite annoying.
Where do Argentine ant come from?
Be attracted by food. The food at home and falling food scraps that are not cleaned in time attract nearby ants.
Attracted by house materials. The old wooden structure easily attracts argentine ant to build nests.
Move-in for shelter. In extreme weather (such as heavy rain), outdoor ants will also hide in nearby houses in advance to take refuge.
How to get rid of Argentine ant?
Use chalk. Chalk scratches can interfere with odor signals and prevent ants from making any progress. This method is not effective for a long period for the reason that the traces of chalk will gradually disappear and ants will explore new paths.
Use fiery vinegar. Dropping vinegar on the path that ants climbed can also confuse them and make them unable to find the right way.
Use white vinegar. White vinegar can be boiled to fumigate the entire house. It is also advised to clean the tableware and kitchen with a mixture of white vinegar and water at 1:1, which can not only reduce the invasion of ants but also effectively remove some stains. This method is safe and non-toxic.
Use mint. Ants don't like the taste of mint. It is recommended to plant mint around the door and in front of the window, which is pleasant and can repel many insects. Using diluted mint essential oil to drive away ants at home.
Use other odors that are nasty to ants. You can sprinkle coffee grounds, citrus peel debris, chili powder, and cinnamon powder around the house to prevent ants from entering. Use chili powder with caution, especially when you have children or pets at home. They may have discomfort when exposed to irritating chili powder.
Buy and use ant bait. If there are a large number of ants, it is necessary to try the ant bait sold in stores. Put the ant food near the gathering point of ants, such as under the kitchen counter or under the window sill. This tip can gradually reduce the number of ants. Pay attention to moisture-proof storage. Spray it to the dried place to avoid losing its effectiveness. During this period, avoid cleaning the path that ants pass.
Use pesticides. If you can find the exact location of the ant nest, it is advised to expose the ant nest and use pesticides.
Harmful Effects of Argentine ant
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Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Argentine ant is not known for biting humans as a characteristic behavior. When they do, it's typically a mild defensive reaction rather than an aggressive one, with no major consequences for most individuals.
Nuisance Pests
Argentine ant is a pervasive nuisance, infesting homes in search of food and water. Their large colonies and aggressive foraging behavior exacerbate the nuisance, causing severe disturbances in both urban and ecological environments.