Odorous House Ant
Our remedy for odorous house ant control
First, contact us. They key to odorous house ant control is locating the colonies and sub-colonies and treating them directly. Regular inspections and service are necessary to find and treat new colonies as they move from neighboring properties. Eliminating standing water and removing tree limbs and other debris from your yard should help with odorous house ant control.
These and a dozen more species of common household ant is covered under our Healthy Home Maintenance Program!
How to Identify an Odorous House Ant
Appearance
Brown; about 1/8″long.
Habitat
Odorous house ants nest in soil, often under objects such as loose bark, firewood or lumber. Indoors they nest in wall voids, especially around hot water pipes and heaters, and in crevices around sinks and cupboards. This species gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. Odorous house ants may develop huge colonies containing up to 100,000 ants with many queens, making professional ant control imperative.
Diet
When indoors, odorous house ants prefer sweets during most of the warm season, especially melon, but will also eat high-protein foods, greasy meats and cheeses.
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Odorous House Ant FAQs
What Is an Odorous House Ant?
The odorous house ant earns its moniker from the pungent odor akin to rotten coconut emitted when crushed. These diminutive brown ants typically measure between one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch in length.
How Can We Prevent Odorous House Ants?
These pests are drawn to moisture, making the elimination of standing water paramount in prevention efforts. Additionally, trimming tree branches and plants away from the house can deter their entry, as they often utilize these avenues. Seal cracks or openings around the foundation and store firewood and building materials away from the home, as odorous house ants are prone to nesting in wood stacks.
What Are Some Habits of Odorous House Ants?
Odorous house ants have a penchant for sweets, particularly honeydew, and exhibit a habit of relocating their nests approximately every three months, often in response to rainfall.
What Habitats Do Odorous House Ants Prefer?
Indoors, odorous house ants seek out moisture-rich environments, nesting near hot water pipes, heaters, leaky fixtures, or within wood damaged by termites. Outdoors they commonly inhabit exposed soil or reside beneath piles of firewood.
What Are Some Threats Posed by Odorous House Ants?
While odorous house ants do not pose significant public health risks, they can contaminate food sources and should be avoided. Upon detecting their presence, seeking assistance from ant pest control specialists is advised.
How Can I Address Odorous House Ant Infestations?
Suspecting an odorous house ant infestation warrants immediate action by contacting a licensed pest control professional. Through a comprehensive inspection, the extent of the infestation can be determined, facilitating the implementation of appropriate control measures.
What Are the Signs of an Odorous House Ant Infestation?
Look for trails of ants moving back and forth from food sources, especially sweets or sugary substances. Another telling sign is the observation of tiny brown ants in the kitchen or bathroom, attracted by moisture and food remnants.
Can Natural Remedies Be Effective Against Odorous House Ants?
Natural remedies, such as vinegar solutions or peppermint oil, can sometimes deter ants due to their strong scents that mask the trails ants use to communicate. However, these are often temporary solutions and may not eliminate the nest or source of the infestation.
How Often Should I Inspect My Home for Signs of Ants?
It is wise to conduct thorough inspections seasonally, particularly in the spring and summer when ant activity increases. Pay special attention to areas where moisture accumulates and food is stored.
Do Odorous House Ants Cause Structural Damage to Homes?
Unlike carpenter ants, odorous house ants do not typically cause structural damage to homes. However, their persistent search for food and water can lead to nuisances in living spaces.
What Should I Do With My Pets During Ant Treatment?
During professional ant treatment, pets should be kept away from treated areas until the products have dried or as advised by our pest control professional. This precaution ensures the safety and health of pets.
How Long Does It Take to Completely Remove an Odorous House Ant Infestation?
The duration for completely removing an odorous house ant infestation varies depending on the infestation’s extent and the effectiveness of the treatment strategy employed. Usually, it can take a few days to a few weeks for noticeable results.
Do You Provide Services at My Address?
Franklin Pest Solutions is happy to answer your questions related to how to get rid of odorous house ants, odorous house ant queens, odorous house ants bites, and more. We offer services for homeowners who live within a 50 mile radius from each of our branch locations in Hammond, Michigan City, Lafayette, New Albany, Indianapolis, and South Bend, IN.
Very professional, reasonably priced.
“Great customer service! Very professional, reasonably priced. Would use again, Thank you Christina.”
Julie L. | Storefront Owner
Lafayette, IN
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