Argentine Ant
Category: Ants
Scientific Name: Linepithema humile
Identification:
Color: Shiny Dark Brown or Black
Size: 1/16 to ¼ inch long
Region: Found primarily in the Southeastern United States
Important Considerations:
- Each colony can contain anywhere from a few hundred to several hundred thousand workers.
- Sometimes, multiple colonies will combine in the winter to create supercolonies during the cold months.
- Argentine ants will crawl over anything including sewage and carrion. If they infest your food source afterwards, they can spread infectious disease such as dysentery.
Where to Find Them on Your Property?
Argentine ants can be found both inside and outside in moisture-rich environments. Inside, they are often found near water pipes, sinks, potted plants, or other wet areas. Outdoors, they form nests 8 inches underground under boards, stones, plants, or near sidewalks. They forage in trails and these can stretch up to 200 feet in length.