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Health & Fitness

AGGRAVATING ARGENTINE ANTS!

We often think of ants as just a summer time pest ruining our picnic.  However, problems can persist through the winter, and we have been receiving a number of ant calls lately.  These pests are an invasive species of ants called Argentine Ants.  In fact, this one of the most common kinds of ants we have in Georgia.  They often set up new colonies near the original colony forming super colonies.  There are multiple queens per colony and workers are sometimes even shared between the colonies.  Outside, Argentine ants nest in moist areas such as mulch, leaf litter, rotting logs, and under rocks.  They prefer sweets and mostly feed on the sugar-rich honeydew produced by aphids and scale insects.

To survive the winter, however, Argentine ants start looking for warmer environments and commonly move into homes and buildings.  They are very small at 2-3 mm long and can easily squeeze through tiny cracks and holes.  To help prevent a home invasion, seal any cracks and crevices around your home.  Keep vegetation around the home trimmed away from the structure.  Branches or shrubs touching the structure make easy pathways for the ants to enter your home.  Also, remove any clutter around the home that could be protecting the ants such as leaf litter or boards.

This time of year is also a time that many kitchens are full of sweet holiday treats.  Clean up any messes immediately after baking and keep all treats in sealed containers.  Wipe counter tops and sweep often to clean up any crumbs or spills.  With a little diligent tidiness, you can enjoy your cookies and treats without having to share them with unwanted pests.

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Original Blog Post can be read: http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/aggravating-argentine-ants/

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