Riverside has been known for its citrus industry since 1877. The Mediterranean climate makes Riverside ideal for citrus farming. Moreover, its favorable weather and central location between the mountains and the coast make it an ideal place to enjoy all that California has to offer. However, despite its idyllic landscape, Riverside is also host to a variety of unwanted pests - including ants.
There are more than 10,000 species of ants. Fortunately, we here in Riverside only have a few species: Pharaoh, odorous and Argentine ants. Today, we will focus on the Argentine ant and how you can identify and eliminate these nuisance pests.
How to Identify the Type of Ant Infesting Your Riverside Home
Ants are a common sight throughout the city. The citrus crops and the leftovers in your kitchen are appealing to them. Their constant quest for sweet foods will bring them from the outside and into your home.
This ant species looks similar to many other ants you may have on your property. They are typically dark brown or black and shiny with six legs and antennae. They are wingless and range in size from 1/16th to 1/4th of an inch with slightly larger queens.
Despite being small, Argentine ants are known for having large colonies and working together, forming "lanes" that are three to five ants across to move food from the source to nests.
The Problems Argentine Ants Can Cause
Unless you are allergic to bug bites, Argentine ants aren't particularly harmful to humans, but they do cause problems for homeowners and Southern California's ecosystem.
What's more alarming is their destructive nature. Argentine ants are notorious for overtaking and destroying other insect and even rodent populations. Most notably, they carry a virus that is deadly to honeybees. If Argentine ant problems are left unchecked, they can throw off the delicate balance of an area's ecosystem.
They also devour outside visitation, which endangers Riverside's citrus industry. Indoors, they will nest near water pipes, sinks, and watered potted plants. Ants can eat the juicy core, which causes the plants to die. For that reason, many homeowners want to know how to control Argentine ants.
Natural Argentine Ant Prevention Tips
Nowadays, organic and DIY treatments are preferred by many homeowners to handle their pest control issues. While many are effective, none of them are guaranteed to work. The following are three natural remedies that may deter some Argentine ants:
- Cayenne pepper
- Peppermint oil
- Lemon juice
Feel free to drop some essential oils in your cleaning spray; it can't hurt!
Furthermore, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep them from invading your property in the first place:
- Keep your home and property free of standing water.
- Seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's entryways.
- Keep branches away from your home.
You could also try chemical treatments. Over-the-counter ant sprays and bait stations may kill some ants, but to control an infestation, it's best to partner with your local pest professional. At Green Flash Pest Control, we have the tools and experience to keep your property free of ants all year long.
How To Get Rid Of Argentine Ants & Keep Them Away
Once you know you are dealing with Argentine ants, it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Their propensity to create large colonies makes them particularly problematic. They can destroy the vegetation on your property, invade your home for food and moisture, and even bite your pets.
At Green Flash Pest Control, we have the workforce, expertise, and equipment to keep Argentine ants and other pests out of your home. Reach out to us today to learn more about our ant control options and bundled pest control plans!