Ants are one of the most populous insect species in the world, with over 10,000 identified types and a claim to every continent besides Antarctica. In the United States, more than 45 types of ants are found, with odorous house ants leading the pack when it comes to being regularly seen in human proximity. These little guys are the ants we associate with the imagery seen in the media and are the usual culprits responsible for millions of Sunday picnics spoiled throughout history.
While not the most dangerous ant species to encounter (in the United States, that crown belongs to the fire ants and their painful stings) and not the most damaging (carpenter ants to the lead on this one), odorous house ants do not make good roommates and sharing your home with thousands of these little guys is a very bad idea.
Let's take a look at a few odorous house ant facts, telltale signs to identify them, what to watch out for in a house infested with odorous ants, and what you can do to prevent an odorous house ant infestation, as recommended by Queen Creek pest control professionals.
How To Identify An Odorous House Ant
Odorous house ants are one of the most common species of ants in the United States and can be easily identified by their habits and appearances. These ants are one of the smallest types of ants in North America, averaging between 1/16 and 1/8 inches in size. They sport dark brown to black colored, oval-shaped bodies with an uneven thorax and antennae with 12 segments.
In their natural habitat, odorous house ants can be found just about everywhere, nesting under the rocks, in piles of leaves, mulch, or other debris. In your home, they will likely be found nearby a water source, like a leaking plumbing fixture or sweating water pipe. While in nature, odorous house ants feed on honeydew and nectar, they are known for a prodigious sweet tooth, likely to be attracted by a sugary drink or a pastry left on the outside table.
Their most obvious defining characteristic is their defense mechanism, in which ants release a puff or unpleasant smell reminiscent of rotting coconut when crushed or threatened.
An Odorous House Ant Infestation In Your Home Can Cause Many Problems
While not likely to bite and, to be frank, not capable of inflicting much damage on an attacker besides mild olfactory distress, odorous house ants, when gathered in sufficient numbers, can become a serious problem in your home.
Ants have a well-developed sense of smell and will beeline straight for the candy stash or spilled sugary drink once inside, contaminating the food and surfaces they travel in pursuit of it.
How To Keep Odorous House Ants From Returning To Your Property
For a DIY'er, the best way to get rid of odorous house ants in your Queen Creek home is to stop them from making it inside in the first place. Start with:
- Fixing leaks and moisture issues
- Cleaning up spills and crumbs immediately
- Sealing the cracks and crevices in the outside walls
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Disposing of trash regularly
- Don't store firewood next to house walls
Attempting a DIY odorous house ant treatment will usually lead to less than satisfactory results since these ants are known to pull stakes and move their nest to a new location if threatened. The best way to get rid of odorous house ants is to get a professional involved at the first signs of an odorous house ant infestation.
Contact The Professionals For Total Odorous House Ant Elimination
Here at Canopy Pest Control, we specialize in using only eco-friendly products and organic pesticides to avoid endangering your and your family's health while we're clearing pests off your property. If you've found an odorous house ant nest in your home and need a hand clearing the little invaders off your property, we can help!
Reach out to us today, to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Queen Creek.