By the 1990s, Argentine ants had spread through much of coastal California; today they protect crop pests that damage farms and gardens
Originally hailing from South America, Argentine ants have created extensive supercolonies across California, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. By protecting sap-feeding pests, they facilitate crop damage and challenge natural predator populations. This invasion has caused a decline in native species, severely disrupting food webs. Homeowners face challenges in managing these pests due to their vast nests and numerous queens, exacerbating the ecological strain on California's agricultural landscape.
Originally hailing from South America, Argentine ants have created extensive supercolonies across California, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. By protecting sap-feeding pests, they facilitate crop damage and challenge natural predator populations. This invasion has caused a decline in native species, severely disrupting food webs. Homeowners face challenges in managing these pests due to their vast nests and numerous queens, exacerbating the ecological strain on California's agricultural landscape.
