If you’ve noticed long trails of small, dark brown ants invading your Orlando home or yard, you’re likely dealing with Argentine ants. These pesky insects are known for forming super colonies and causing significant ant infestations in homes across Central Florida.
With their ability to quickly move and establish new colonies, controlling these ants can be tricky without the right strategies.
Here’s everything homeowners in Orlando need to know to get rid of Argentine ants and keep them from coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Argentine ants thrive in Florida’s humid climate, forming super colonies that can quickly overrun homes if left untreated.
- DIY methods like sealing entry points and using ant baits can help, but professional pest control ensures long-term solutions.
- Regular cleaning, removing moisture, and routine pest management are crucial for keeping your home pest-free year-round.
DIY Control Methods for Argentine Ants
While professional pest control services provide the most effective results, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce the infestation.
Locate Entry Points and Seal Them
Inspect crevices, wall voids, and cracks around windows and doors. Use caulk to seal entry points and block the ants’ access.
Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are the most effective DIY solution for Argentine ants. Worker ants carry the bait back to their colony, spreading it to the queens and killing the nest. Choose sugar-based baits, as these ants are highly attracted to sugary substances.
Remove Food Sources
Keep your kitchen and pantries spotless. Wipe down countertops, sweep up crumbs, and store sugary or protein-rich foods in sealed containers. Pay special attention to pet food areas.
Address Water Sources
Repair leaky pipes, faucets, and irrigation systems. Argentine ants thrive in moist environments, so reducing water availability can deter them.
Clean Ant Trails
Wipe ant trails with vinegar and water to disrupt their pheromone paths. This prevents worker ants from leading others to food sources.
Signs of an Argentine Ant Infestation
Here’s how to spot an Argentine ant problem before it gets out of control:
- Ant Trails: These ants create long, visible trails leading to food sources like sugary snacks or pet food.
- Ant Nests: Nesting sites are often found in moist areas such as wall voids, near water sources, or under landscaping.
- Large Numbers: Worker ants constantly move between their nest and food, creating a noticeable presence.
Argentine ants also habitually displace other common ants, like odorous house ants and crazy ants, taking over entire areas.
Do Argentine Ants Require Specialized Treatment?
Argentine ants are one of the most common ant species in Florida. They’re about 1/8 inch long, dark brown, and uniform in size.
Unlike other types of ants, like fire ants or carpenter ants, they don’t have a painful sting. Instead, they compensate with their sheer numbers.
They form massive colonies with multiple queens, enabling them to outcompete other species and spread rapidly. This makes them especially difficult to manage.
When disrupted, they can split their colony and establish new nests elsewhere. This behavior, known as budding, is why DIY methods alone often fail to get rid of them completely.
Professional pest control services offer the expertise to handle Argentine ant infestations effectively.
Tips for Long-Term Prevention
Once you’ve removed Argentine ants, it’s essential to keep them from returning. Follow these prevention strategies:
- Maintain a Clean Home: Regularly clean pantries and food preparation areas.
- Yard Maintenance: Trim plants, remove debris, and keep mulch away from your home’s foundation.
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk around doors, windows, and utility lines.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Reduce water sources by fixing leaks and improving drainage.
By taking these steps, you’ll make your home less attractive to Argentine ants and other ant species like sugar ants and ghost ants.
Why Choose Rowland Pest Management?
Rowland Pest Management is a trusted name for pest control services in Orlando and Central Florida.
With same-day or next-day service availability, we respond quickly to get rid of ant problems. Our highly trained technicians use effective pest control while keeping your family and pets safe.
Don’t let an Argentine ant infestation take over your Orlando home. Contact us today for expert pest control solutions and enjoy a pest-free environment year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Argentine ants more common in Florida?
Florida’s warm, humid climate provides the perfect environment for Argentine ants to thrive. Abundant water sources and vegetation allow them to form large colonies and invade homes, especially during rainy seasons when they seek shelter indoors.
What attracts Argentine ants to my home?
Argentine ants are drawn to sugary foods, pet food, and moisture. Leaky pipes, crumbs, and unsealed pantry items are common culprits. Keeping your home clean, sealing food tightly, and repairing water leaks can reduce their attraction to your space.