Southern CA Ant Guide

Richard Merjil • October 5, 2026

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For homeowners and businesses in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Simi Valley, and surrounding areas, not all ants are created equal. Some are merely nuisance pests. Others can contaminate food, damage structures, destroy landscaping, or deliver painful stings.



The following guide covers the most common ant species found throughout northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County, along with the risks they present and the warning signs that they may be invading your property.

Argentine Ants

Scientific Name: Linepithema humile


Argentine ants are by far the most common ant species encountered in Southern California. They form enormous "super colonies" that can contain millions of ants and multiple queens. Unlike many ant species, neighboring colonies do not fight each other, allowing populations to explode.



Threat Level: Moderate

Risks:

  • Food contamination
  • Large recurring infestations
  • Difficult elimination due to multiple queens
  • Can displace native ant species

Risks:

  • Food contamination
  • Large recurring infestations
  • Difficult elimination due to multiple queens
  • Can displace native ant species

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