What Are Odorous House Ants and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
How to Get Rid of Odorous House Ants
Have you ever crushed an ant only to be hit with a smell that reminds you of rotten coconuts or blue cheese? If so, you’ve likely encountered odorous house ants—one of the most common and persistent household pests in North America. While these ants are harmless at first glance, they can quickly establish large colonies in your home and create unsanitary conditions for you and your family. Fortunately, getting rid of odorous house ants is as simple as calling your local pest control service. But before you make the call, learn a bit more about these pests and the techniques that help eliminate them.
What Are Odorous House Ants?
Odorous house ants are small brown ants native to North America. Their name comes from the distinctive, unpleasant odor they release when crushed or threatened—a smell often compared to rotten coconuts, blue cheese, or cleaning chemicals. They live in colonies alongside multiple queens and thousands of workers, and unlike some species that maintain a single nest, odorous house ants may have satellite colonies. This makes them especially difficult to eliminate.
What Do Odorous Ants Look Like?
How do you know if you’re dealing with odorous house ants or another variety? These small insects have several distinguishing features, including:
- Size and Color—Odorous house ants are relatively small, measuring between 1/16 and 1/8 inch in length. Workers are typically dark brown to black, though some may appear lighter brown.
- Body Structure—Like all ants, they have three distinct body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Their antennae have 12 segments, and their bodies are relatively smooth without prominent spines or ridges.
- Movement—Odorous house ants move in distinctive trails, following pheromone paths laid down by scout ants. When disturbed, they tend to move erratically rather than in organized formations.
How Do I Know I Have an Ant Infestation?
Seeing an ant or two doesn’t necessarily mean you have a full-scale infestation. So, before you call a professional to get rid of odorous house ants, look for these signs of a large-scale problem:
- Ant Trails—Have you noticed lines of ants moving along baseboards, countertops, or other surfaces? These ant trails typically lead from food sources back to their nest sites.
- Food Contamination—Finding ants in your pantry, on countertops, or around pet food dishes is a clear indicator of an infestation. They’re particularly drawn to spilled juice, honey, sugar, and crumbs.
- Nesting Sites—Getting eyes on a nesting site is a tell-tale sign of infestation. Look for small piles of dirt or debris near cracks in walls, under appliances, or around window frames.
- Increased Activity After Rain—These ants often move indoors during wet weather, so you might notice increased activity during or after rainy periods.
- Multiple Entry Points—Unlike some ant species that use a single-entry point, odorous house ants may enter through various cracks, gaps, and openings throughout your home. If you’re concerned about multiple entry points, talk to a pest control specialist.
How to Get Rid of Odorous House Ants
Identifying an ant infestation is only the first step. The next is to learn more about how to get rid of odorous house ants, naturally and otherwise. Small infestations might be controlled with these strategies, but calling a professional is always your best bet.
Bait Stations
Ant baits are often the most effective long-term solution. Place ant baits containing borax or other slow-acting insecticides along ant trails—you can find bait stations at most grocery stores. Once placed, the worker ants will carry the bait back to the colony, eventually reaching the queens and eliminating the entire nest. Be patient with bait as it can take several days or weeks to see complete results.
Non-Chemical Approaches
If you want to stay away from chemicals, several natural deterrents can help. These solutions may not be 100% effective, but they may help control minor ant problems:
- Spraying white vinegar along ant trails
- Spinkling cinnamon around entry points
- Placing used coffee grounds near nesting sites
Eliminate Food Sources
Odorous house ants are trying to find food, so eliminating food sources can greatly reduce the problem. Take these steps to remove what attracted the ants in the first place:
- Clean up spills immediately
- Store food in airtight containers
- Wipe down surfaces regularly
- Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water
- Keep pet food sealed and clean feeding areas after meals
Preventing Ant Infestations in the First Place
Controlling the spread of odorous house ants is difficult, but not impossible. Still, the best way to keep your home ant-free is to take some preventive measures. These everyday strategies are great ways to keep ants at bay:
- Prioritize Cleanliness—Don’t skip spring cleaning! Regular cleaning removes food sources and eliminates scent trails. Pay special attention to kitchens, dining areas, and anywhere food is consumed.
- Monitor Humidity—Odorous house ants prefer humid environments, so, if possible, place a dehumidifier in the basement. You should also take measures to fix leaky pipes and improve ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Seal Entry Points—You can prevent future problems by using a caulk to fill small cracks along windows, doors, and baseboards. We also recommend sealing gaps around pipes and utility lines.
- Regular Inspections—Talk to your local pest control provider about regular inspections. A professional can catch problems before they become a major infestation.
Act Against Odorous House Ants Today
Odorous house ants might be small, but they can create big problems for homeowners. Don’t let these smelly invaders take over your home! If you’re dealing with a stubborn infestation in the Sacramento area, contact Apex Pest Control for expert assessment and treatment. Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges these pests present and can develop a customized solution for your specific situation.