Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are one of the most persistent and invasive ant species in the world. Originating from South America, they’ve spread rapidly across the southern United States, forming super colonies that contain millions of workers and hundreds of queens.
These small, brown ants are commonly found in gardens, lawns, and kitchens, moving indoors during hot or wet weather. Their ability to eliminate rival species and relocate quickly makes them one of the hardest ants to control without professional help.
What Argentine Ants Look Like
Argentine ants are light to dark brown, about 2.5 to 3 mm long, and lack a stinger.
They move in thick, organized trails, often along walls, driveways, or tree trunks.
Identification checklist:
- Small, uniform brown color
- Ant trails that appear endless and dense
- One node between thorax and abdomen (smooth appearance)
- Fast-moving, aggressive toward other ant species
- Prefer humid areas near water sources
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Argentine ants form massive interconnected colonies — sometimes stretching across entire neighborhoods. Unlike other ants, they cooperate between nests rather than competing, which allows them to dominate entire properties.
They typically nest:
- Beneath mulch, leaf litter, or pavers
- Around tree bases or garden beds
- Under stones, logs, and planters
- Near foundations, patios, or irrigation systems
During hot or rainy weather, they migrate indoors seeking food and shelter.
Signs of a Argentine Ant Infestation
- Large numbers of small brown ants moving in continuous trails
- Ants entering through cracks, windows, or plumbing
- Nesting beneath mulch, stones, or flowerpots
- Visible activity near sinks, pet bowls, or bathrooms
- Reappearing ants after spraying or cleaning
⚠️ Argentine ants quickly rebuild after DIY sprays because surviving queens restart new colonies.
Argentine Ant FAQs
Why are Argentine ants so hard to get rid of?
They form massive interconnected colonies with multiple queens. Killing one nest doesn’t affect the others.
Do Argentine ants bite or sting?
They don’t sting, but they can bite when threatened – their main problem is infestation size, not aggression.
Where do Argentine ants come from?
They originated in South America and have spread across the U.S., thriving in warm, humid climates.
Are Argentine ants dangerous?
They don’t transmit diseases but contaminate food and displace native beneficial insects.
Can Argentine ants be eliminated permanently?
Yes – with ongoing baiting and prevention programs designed to target all colonies simultaneously.
Get Your Free Ant Control Quote
Argentine ants build massive colonies that overrun gardens and invade homes in search of sweets and moisture. Our treatments stop them at the source.
Seeing ant activity around your home or business? Our licensed pest control specialists locate nests, eliminate entire colonies, and keep them from coming back. We use safe, targeted treatments that work for any type of ant — indoors or outdoors.
Don’t wait until the infestation spreads — request your free quote today and protect your property year-round.
Why Argentine Ants Are a Problem
- Massive populations: Colonies can contain millions of ants.
- Eliminate native species: They outcompete other ants and beneficial insects.
- Difficult to control: Killing one nest doesn’t solve the problem — others take over.
- Food contamination: Trails often lead through pantries and kitchens.
- Electrical issues: Nests have been found near circuits, outlets, and appliances.
Professional baiting is the only effective long-term strategy against these super colonies. Contact us Today >>
How to Get Rid of Argentine Ants
DIY Steps:
- Eliminate food and water sources.
- Seal cracks and openings around windows and doors.
- Keep vegetation trimmed back from the house.
- Use slow-acting baits around trails — avoid repellents or sprays.
Professional Treatment:
Argentine ants require colony-wide control, not spot treatment. Our experts use non-repellent bait systems and targeted perimeter barriers that spread through entire colonies – reaching queens and satellite nests.
We also create customized yard and garden defense plans to stop re-entry from surrounding soil or neighboring properties.
Contact Us for Argentine Ant Control >>
Prevention Tips
- Reduce mulch thickness and keep garden beds dry.
- Store food and pet dishes indoors.
- Seal plumbing gaps and weep holes.
- Fix irrigation leaks and improve drainage.
- Schedule quarterly pest maintenance for recurring protection.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice constant ant trails inside or outside your property — especially after heavy rain — it’s likely an Argentine ant invasion. DIY sprays only kill surface workers and can cause colonies to spread further.
Our licensed technicians target the root colony, ensuring full elimination and long-term protection.
