What type of ant is commonly found as a severe pest in the Southern U.S. and California?

Argentine ants are recognized as a severe pest in the Southern United States and California due to their aggressive foraging behavior and ability to establish large colonies. These ants thrive in diverse environments, often forming supercolonies that can encompass vast areas, making them particularly troublesome for both residential and agricultural settings. Their preference for urban areas where they can access food sources contributes to their prevalence, and they are known to outcompete native ant species, leading to ecological imbalances. In contrast, carpenter ants are also significant pests but primarily cause structural damage by nesting in wood, though their impact is different in scope and nature compared to Argentine ants. Bumble bees and termites, while notable pests, do not have the same level of impact or pervasive presence as Argentine ants in the specific context of Southern U.S. and California environments.