Many Philadelphia area homes and offices are invaded by odorous ants each spring, summer and fall. Initially, the pests enter in search of food, but they may remain if they find nesting habitat in a floor or wall void.
When they infest food that is intended for people to eat, they leave behind potentially dangerous contaminants. While they are capable of biting, these wounds typically are not seriously painful. Still, odorous ants are one of the most common pests found inside homes, and most people would prefer to be rid of these pests.
When these ants are seen, then the most sensible thing to do is to call an experienced exterminator. A trained pest management professional provides targeted and effective treatments that tend to work far better than DIY methods. This is because the aerosol and liquid insecticide products that are commonly found in home improvement stores usually just make the problem worse by scattering worker ants. These dislocated ants will establish new nesting sites, exacerbating the issue.
By contrast, a pest technician can not only definitively identify the problem species but also recommend various treatment options that will put an end to the infestation.
WHAT DO ODOROUS ANTS LOOK LIKE?
The easiest way to distinguish the odorous ant from other species is the unpleasant odor that they give off when they are crushed or frightened. Similar to rotting coconuts, many people are bothered by this smell.
Most workers in the odorous ant colony measure between one-sixteenth and one-eighth of an inch. Coloring may be from dark brown to black, and close observation reveals an abdomen that is shaped like a beehive. Also, one flat node may be seen between the thorax and abdomen. The odorous ant also has a smooth, hairless body.
WHAT DO ODOROUS ANTS EAT?
Because they live in large colonies, odorous ant workers must forage night and day. When nesting and foraging outdoors, the ants are most likely to collect honeydew from mealybugs and aphids. As less honeydew becomes available in the fall, odorous ants may move inside to seek food. They may look in kitchens for foods such as fruit juice, raw vegetables, pastries, sugary foods, dairy products and meat. Pet food also is a common target of foraging worker ants.
WHERE DO ODOROUS ANTS LIVE?
This species is sometimes referred to as opportunistic nesters. A shallow nest may be discovered in a bare patch of soil, within mulch, in hollow logs, under a pile of yard debris or beneath a rock.
When nesting indoors, odorous ants are likely to look for a location that has plenty of moisture. They appear to prefer floor and wall voids, but they also may be found nesting adjacent to water pipes, close to heaters or behind paneling. Sometimes, nests are found just beneath carpets, and wood that has been damaged by other pests can provide the ideal habitat.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ODOROUS ANTS
Odorous ant infestations are not known for causing structural damage. Still, these ants will take advantage of and potentially exacerbate existing pest damage. Many people are bothered by the noxious smell that these ants emit, which makes them especially unwelcome indoors.
ARE ODOROUS ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
While not necessarily aggressive toward people, these ants are capable of biting. Such attacks are rare, but they can be frightening for small children. While odorous ants rarely turn aggression toward people, it is worth considering that these pests live in large colonies that have multiple thousands of members. The queen is constantly laying more eggs, which means that these infestations can be incredibly persistent unless they are properly treated.
DO ODOROUS ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Odorous ants do not transmit diseases to people with bites. However, infestations of these pests frequently are linked to cases of food poisoning. These omnivorous insects forage for food in unsavory places including sewers, drains, trashcans and animal carcasses. Along the way, they accumulate a collection of germs, bacteria and toxins.
These contaminants quickly transfer to stored food and food preparation surfaces. Contaminated food cannot be eaten, and contaminated surfaces must be completely disinfected before they can be used. If these measures are not taken, then the occupants of the home may develop unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
HOW TO DETECT ODOROUS ANTS
Signs of an odorous ant infestation include:
• A noxious odor like rotting coconuts in the house • Trails of ants across kitchen surfaces • Ants discovered congregating around a hole or crack in the home's exterior
HOW TO PREVENT ODOROUS ANTS
To help prevent an odorous ant issue the following steps should be taken:
• Use glass or metal containers with tight lids to store food • Fix water leaks as soon as they are discovered • Act fast to clean up spills and crumbs • Make a habit of putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink • Do not store food on counters or tables • Restrict eating to only the kitchen and dining room • Frequently clean surfaces and vacuum floors • Regularly empty indoor trashcans into outdoor garbage bins • Keep outdoor garbage cans clean • Look for and eliminate holes and cracks in the home's exterior • Store firewood and yard debris at least 20 feet away from structures • Replace damaged wood
HOW WE TREAT FOR ANTS
Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider. Schedule a FREE inspection today.
