Argentine Ant

Life Cycle

Color: Light to dark brown
Size: Workers about 2–3 mm
Key Markings: Small, similar-sized workers
Activity: Trails to food and moisture
Common Areas: Soil, mulch, kitchens

Description

Linepithema humile

Argentine ants form persistent trails between nests and food. Colonies may contain many queens and occupy interconnected sites. Workers gather sweet liquids such as honeydew and also collect other foods. They nest in protected, often moist places and can forage inside homes.

Ants develop through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Workers support the developing colony; visible foragers are only part of it.

What Attracts Them?

Sweet spills and accessible food
Moist soil near foundations
Honeydew-producing insects outdoors

How Do They Get Inside?

Gaps around doors and windows
Utility penetrations
Plants or materials touching the home

Signs of an Infestation

Repeated trails along edges

Workers returning to food

Activity near moist foundation areas

Ants around sinks or counters

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

The main household concern is persistent nuisance activity and food contamination. Killing only the visible workers may leave connected colonies active.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Clean food residue and seal stored food
Correct leaks and excess irrigation
Trim vegetation away from the structure
Watch where trails lead before disturbing them

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Small, similar-sized workers. Repeated trails along edges. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with sweet spills and accessible food. Clean food residue and seal stored food.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.