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Linepithema
humile
Characteristics –
Size: Workers of this species are about 1/8-inch in
length.
Color: Varies from dark brown to black, and the body is
often shiny in appearance.
The colonies of argentine ants can grow quite large and contain tens
of thousands of workers and numerous queens. Each colony will be
divided into sub colonies located in various suitable harborages
connected by established trunk trails. These sub colonies will
number from a few hundred to thousands of individuals.
Behavior – The colony may have hundreds of
queens, and each colony will be divided into a number of sub colonies.
Since members of two separate colonies are not aggressive toward
each other, colonies will often combine with one another. This
creates huge super-colonies that may extend over several properties.
Argentine ants are very aggressive and will drive out native species
of ants creating an environment where they are literally the
"king" of the anthill, so to speak. Their primary food
source during the warm months is the sweet honeydew produced by
aphids and mealy bugs. The presence of fruit trees, roses, and other
plants that attract aphids often contributes to argentine ant
infestations.
Habitat – Argentine ants reside outdoors,
usually in shallow nests in the soil beneath a stone, board, or any
other item that provides protection. Small, medium, or large sub colonies
will locate themselves in piles of lumber, bricks, or debris; in
landscape mulch; behind brick and stone veneer; within and under
insulation; and in wall voids or any other suitable void. Argentine
ants are the most common invaders of homes in Southern California.
This ant is also very common in homes throughout most of the Gulf
Coast states.
Tips for Control – The argentine ant can be
nearly impossible to control, especially during midsummer in areas
such as Southern California. At best, regular treatments keep as few
ants as possible from entering the home or business.
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