Argentine ants have been reported in a few isolated areas in Louisiana. These ants are different from fire ants in appearance, nesting habits and behavior. These differences make control efforts different as well.

This is the first issue of a newsletter intended to communicate new information and recommendations for fire ant management and other ant problems in Louisiana. This issue focuses on current methods for community-wide fire ant control.

Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, is an important invasive species that has great impact on agriculture, urban and natural environments worldwide. This poster discusses the basic nest biology and structure of the Argentine Ants.

This poster addresses where Argentine Ants are found in Louisiana, as well as cost-effective ways to control them.

This poster discusses natural feeding preferences, adapted feeding preferences and feeding strategies of the Argentine Ant.

This poster discusses background of Argentine Ants, baits that are cheap and effective for indoor use, and outdoor ant control.

The public can order any fire ant bait through local hardware stores, nurseries or coop/feed stores.

Stepping outdoors was like being under attack for one homeowner. Fire ants were everywhere in her yard. Her sister’s pasture also was under siege. So they turned to an LSU AgCenter entomologist for help. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

Map showing parishes that have a spreader available for use in area wide application of fire ant baits. Listing of locations by parish that have implemented the area wide program.

Fire ants may be an indoor problem during the dry season as they search for water and food. The mounds move below the surface but they will still forage for food during the cooler times of the day.