About Argentine Ants

The ants are natives of Northern Argentina. From Northern Argentina, the population of the ants has spread to more than 15 countries with a presence on six continents. They are found in a wide variety of climatic conditions, from the temperate regions to areas with high humidity. Humans play a major role in the spread of the population of the ants. The ants are well established in southern states of the US as well as California.

Argentine ants live under wood, in logs, debris, and mulch. The ants may also be found in cavities in the base of shrubs and trees. Because they are wingless, they do not fly to new locations to create colonies. Instead, the reproductive species mate within existing nests. New colonies are established by walking, with the queen and workers leaving afterward to start a new colony in another location.

The males are very short-lived. After mating with the female, they die. After the single mating, the females produce eggs for life. The ants live in large colonies that hold hundreds of ants. The queen does not just stay in the nest as seen with other species. The queen leaves the nest with the workers. They prefer to nest in moist soils. The nest of the ants is found in locations such as along sidewalks, under buildings, and beneath boards.

If the outdoor conditions become unbearable, they could move into different types of buildings. They enter buildings through pathways such as tree branches. They then look for places with moisture to nest.

Argentine ants have a diverse diet. They feed on a wide range of food materials but prefer sweet foods. Argentine ants feed on honeydew which is produced by the insects that feed on sap, such as aphids and mealybugs. Because they depend on insects for food, honeydew, they protect them from their natural enemies.

The ants live in networks of colonies that make up super colonies. Because of this pattern of establishing colonies, they can steadily grow to populations large enough to occupy city blocks. They are highly efficient at foraging and move in trails. As they forage, they release pheromones on the journey to and from the foraging sites. They do this to prevent visiting a site multiple times.

Argentine ants are known for aggressive habits. They could displace other insects, even other species of ants from new areas they discover. They can also increase their populations within short periods and change habitats as required.