Argentine ants can and do get everywhere. Sometimes it seems like there are millions of them. I've seen Argentines trail in lines 3 to 4 inches wide. I've found them in sugar bowls, peanut butter jars, dog food, heck, I've even seen them in freezers. One day in the mid-90's, when I still owned my company, I got a call from a frantic lady screaming into the phone that she was infested with ants. In a soothing voice I assured her that one of my representatives would be right over to take care of her problem in a few hours. I asked for her address and she said she was in a Mercedes on Interstate 5. I paused. The ensuing conversation went something like this:"Where did you say you live, Ma'am?" I asked.
She said, "I live in Encino, dammit!"
"Give me your address and I'll have one of my guys over in a couple hours."
"I have ants all over my panty hose in my Mercedes, you dimwit!" She yelled.
"I'm sorry ma'am I should have known that. Have a nice day."
"Don't hang up," she said. "I'm sorry. Please. I'll pay you $500.00 to treat my car. These damned ants are everywhere!"
"Where are you?" I asked.
"I-5, going 70 mph, with ants crawling all over my private parts!"
"Get off at the next ramp and pull into a parking lot or something, then give me a call."
The frazzled lady pulled into a Ralph's supermarket parking lot, called and gave me her location, and I went out and treated her car for Argentine ants. Seems she had parked her car to where the hood was in contact with some bushes. The ants used the limbs as a bridge to the car. The lady had left a half-eaten bag of chips on the center console, and the ants were hungry. BTW, I didn't take $500.00. $250.00 was enough.
When treating for Argentine ants, it's best to use baits. Gels and granulars are available at http://www.youdoitpestcontrol.com/ . And next time you've parked in the bushes, make sure you check your car for ants before you sit down!
Bugzilla out --
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