Argentine Ants

Argentine Ant Facts

• Location: An introduced species from South America, most common around homes and in towns and cities
• Size: Workers are about 1/8 inch long, and queens are larger, close to 1/4 inch
• Color: Light to dark brown with a smooth, slightly shiny body

Argentine Ant Social Behavior

Argentine ants are not picky about where they live. A single colony can contain many queens spread across a network of nests. They nest in moist soil beside or beneath buildings, along sidewalks and driveways, and under boards, pavers and potted plants. The easiest way to spot them is by their trails. Workers move in steady, well-worn lines between nests and food, often several ants wide, and the lines can run up exterior walls and tree trunks and into the house.

With many queens laying eggs and workers that will eat almost anything, colonies can grow quickly.