How to Get Rid of Argentine Ants
A small, light-to-dark brown ant that forms huge, cooperating supercolonies. Wide, busy trails often stream into kitchens during hot or rainy weather. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and in gardens and on plants, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Apply sugar-water baits outdoors along trails
- Trim branches and vines that bridge onto the house
- Clean trails with soapy water to erase scent paths
Argentine ants don't sting and rarely bite; they protect aphids and scale insects on garden plants.
Confirm you have Argentine ants
Correct identification matters, because the right fix for Argentine ants differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) and are usually brown. Look for these features:
- Uniform light-brown body with one flat node
- Very wide, steady trails several ants across
- Musty, greasy odor when crushed
They are most often confused with odorous house ant, red imported fire ant and longhorn crazy ant. See the full Argentine ant profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have Argentine ants
Argentine Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see Argentine ants
Argentine Ants are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: kitchen and garden or plants.
Step-by-step: getting rid of Argentine ants
Step 1: Apply sugar-water baits outdoors along trails
Apply sugar-water baits outdoors along trails. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Trim branches
Trim branches and vines that bridge onto the house. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Clean trails with soapy water to erase scent paths
Clean trails with soapy water to erase scent paths. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see Argentine ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep Argentine ants from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Argentine ants don't sting and rarely bite; they protect aphids and scale insects on garden plants.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About ants
The Argentine ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of Argentine ants?
Apply sugar-water baits outdoors along trails. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are Argentine ants dangerous?
Argentine ants don't sting and rarely bite; they protect aphids and scale insects on garden plants.
When are Argentine ants most active?
Argentine Ants are most active in spring, summer and fall.
What do Argentine ants look like?
Uniform light-brown body with one flat node. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).