Argentine Ants

Summer is just around the corner, that means longer days, warmer nights and ANTS! As people take to the outdoors with their baskets full of goodies, ants are sure to follow. According to AntWeb.org, Southern California is home to a variety of ants such as Pharaoh ants, Carpenter ants and Argentine ants. The latter is the most common ant pest found in Southern California homes. Although small, about 1/8 inch long, these critters are very populous. While not harmful to humans, they team up and build immense colonies (in the millions to be exact); therefore making them difficult to get rid of.

There is not much you can do about the Argentine ants at your picnic, but there are measures you can take to keep them out of your home. The UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) notes that Argentine ants enter homes in search of food and water and are attracted to sweets and oils. Here are some prevention steps:

• Do not leave any food out, especially sweets and fats. Make sure to clean up crumbs and messes.
• Fix water leaks around the perimeter of your home.
• Seal off cracks with caulking
• Set bait outside your home.

If the ants have already entered your home:

• Remove and discard the source of food they have found.
• Follow the trail to the entry point and seal it off to prevent more from coming in.
• Sponge off the ants with soapy water- the soapy water will eliminate the scent of their trail.

If you find that a large number of Argentine ants have invaded your home, do not fret, you are not alone. Call Accurate Termite and Pest Control and one of our technicians will gladly remove them for you.