Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) invasion on California's Channel Islands

Soil moisture and temperature plays an important role in the movement of Argentine ants. By determining a relationship between the soil moisture and Argentine ant occurrence, we could predict at what rate or where an Argentine ant population would invade depending on soil moisture. Soil moisture levels either too dry or too wet could indicate the suitability for Argentine ants infesting an area.If successful, this data will tremendously help control efforts on California's Channel Islands. Transects will be established across the known edge of an infestation.  Soil moisture will be measured every 2 m, along a 200 m transect, with 50 points in the infested area and 50 points outside. If there is a difference in soil moisture across the boundary it may be indicative of a threshold then more transects in various soil types on both islands will be established.