Ants

Argentine Ant

Argentine ants are very aggressive and will drive out native species of ants creating an environment where they are literally the "king" of the anthill, so to speak. Their primary food source during the warm months is the sweet honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs. The presence of fruit trees, roses, and other plants that attract aphids often contributes to Argentine ant infestations.

Argentine ants reside outdoors, usually in shallow nests in the soil beneath a stone, board, or any other item that provides protection. Small, medium, or large subcolonies will locate themselves in piles of lumber, bricks, or debris; in landscape mulch; behind brick and stone veneer; within and under insulation; and in wall voids or any other suitable void.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants feed on a wide variety of foods, especially other insects. The favored food of adults is the sweet honeydew produced by plant-feeding insects, such as aphids, scales, and mealybugs.

Carpenter ants are the most common pest ant seen in homes. The main colony must have a constant source of moisture to survive, so it is usually located in dead wood outside. This includes dead limbs, tree holes, stumps, landscape timbers, and so forth. Indoors, a main colony will have to be associated with a water leak or an overly wet, poorly ventilated crawl space or attic.