Discovering an Argentine ant colony on your property isn't something to ignore. If this ant species infest your home, it can spread diseases and contaminate food, making you and your household sick.
It's important to stop Argentine ants before they completely take over your house. This guide contains everything you need to know about the Argentine ants in Santa Barbara and what you can do to safeguard your property.
Is This An Argentine Ant?
Like other ant species, Argentine ants have a segmented body with six legs and two antennae. These ants range from light to dark brown in color and are between 1/16" to 1/4" in length. Argentine ants are highly adaptable and will build their colonies in a variety of different places. They prefer to nest in moist, damp areas. It's common to find this ant species in the soil underneath buildings, under flooring, and along sidewalks.
When they discover a food source, Argentine ants travel back and forth from their colony in trails. Argentine ants are omnivores. They feed on just about anything, although they prefer sweet-tasting foods. During spring and summer, their peak reproductive months, they'll seek out more protein-based food sources. While they aren't aggressive towards humans, Argentine ants are highly territorial and will attack any competing ant species close to their colonies.
The Problems Argentine Ants Bring To Your Santa Barbara Home
Argentine ants' rapid and frequent reproductive cycle makes them extremely difficult to eradicate. These ants are known to build giant networks of colonies and take over entire city blocks in some cases. They have several queens and hundreds of thousands of supporting workers who will tirelessly look for food sources. Argentine ants are a resilient species and will return to a former colony site after being eradicated due to how easily they reproduce.
An Argentine ant infestation on your property puts your family at a major health risk. Because they commonly nest in waste and decay, they come into contact with harmful bacteria and diseases. If these ants infest your home and crawl around, they could be spreading germs to your family and pets. When Argentine ants find their way inside your food sources, they contaminate anything they touch. Eating contaminated foods could have extremely negative health consequences. Contact an exterminator with Argentine ant control experience at the first signs of an infestation, like Jhonny's Pest Control.
How To Prevent Argentine Ant Reinfestation
Even though Argentine ants are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of, there are several steps you can take to prevent an infestation. Because of how resilient they are, keeping these ants off your property even after you've eliminated them is key. Here are some tips to try:
- Eliminate readily-available ant food sources. Keep all food stored in air-tight containers. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and make sure it is properly stored.
- Keep your yard maintained and trim back any branches or trees that are too close to your home.
- Consider installing a rock or gravel border around your home's foundation. This discourages ant nesting.
- Keep your kitchen clean, wipe down countertops, and clean up spills and messes as soon as possible.
- Eliminate excess moisture by repairing leaky pipes. Place a dehumidifier in moist areas like the basement.
- Seal and caulk cracks and openings in your home's walls and foundation. When preventative methods fail, it might be time to work with a professional who knows how to deal with the Argentine ants in Santa Barbara.
The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Argentine Ants
If you're dealing with an Argentine ant problem and searching for reliable pest control in Santa Barbara, schedule an appointment with Jhonny's Pest Control. Our extermination team uses the latest pest control technology to get rid of these stubborn ants for good. Contact us today to learn more about how we keep area homes pest-free.