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Odorous house ants, scientifically known as Tapinoma sessile, are a common ant species found across the United States. Known for the unique smell they emit when crushed, these ants can become a persistent nuisance in homes. Understanding their characteristics, behavior, and the challenges in removing them can help you better protect your property and prevent future ant infestations.
Characteristics & Identification
Odorous house ants are small, with a length of about 1/8 inch and a smooth, dark brown to blackish body. Despite their small size, these ants are incredibly resilient and adaptable. They can build their colonies both indoors and outdoors, taking advantage of various nesting sites. They thrive in moist environments but are flexible enough to establish themselves even in dry conditions. Unlike a few other ant species in the eastern United States, odorous house ants do not have a painful sting, but they can emit a noticeable smell when crushed, often compared to rotten coconut.
Habitat
Odorous house ants are highly adaptable and can thrive in multiple environments. Outdoors, they prefer to nest under rocks, logs, mulch, and in soil cavities. Indoors, they often nest in wall voids, under floors, and in areas where moisture is present, such as near pipes, sinks, and leaky faucets. Their nesting sites are usually close to food sources, making kitchens an ideal indoor location for these ants to forage.
Odorous house ants in America
This ant species is common throughout North America. Odorous house ants frequently invade homes and buildings, especially during warm weather when they seek out food sources indoors. Given their tendency to forage in large numbers, it’s common to see these ants trailing along baseboards, countertops, or window sills as they search for food. Their presence is widespread in the Midwest and Southern regions, but they can be found in urban and suburban areas nationwide.
Odorous house ants behaviors, threats, or dangers
Although odorous house ants do not bite or sting, their presence can be annoying for homeowners. They can contaminate food and disrupt indoor spaces as they forage, often trailing across countertops and along walls. While they don’t pose a direct health threat, their rapid reproduction can make them particularly difficult to control.
Are odorous house ants hard to get rid of?
Odorous house ants are notoriously challenging to remove due to their complex colony structure and adaptability. Colonies often split into multiple colonies, allowing them to spread to multiple areas within a building. They are quick to relocate their nesting sites if they feel threatened, making control efforts difficult. DIY treatments may only provide short-term relief, whereas professional ant control companies, like Ehrlich, can offer more effective, long-term solutions.
How many odorous house ants count as an infestation?
A few odorous house ants may not seem alarming; however, seeing trails of these ants indoors is often a sign of a larger infestation. Colonies can contain thousands of ants, and since they reproduce quickly, even a small group of ants can signify a more extensive problem. A single colony of ants can split into multiple colonies, making it difficult to pinpoint the infestation's source. If you notice multiple trails or recurring ant sightings indoors, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
Frequently asked questions:
Do odorous house ants bite or sting?
No, odorous house ants don’t bite or sting humans. They are generally harmless to people but can contaminate food and create unsanitary conditions.
What is so special about odorous house ants?
Odorous house ants are unique because of their strong, coconut-like odor when crushed. They are also highly adaptive, thriving in various climates and easily forming large colonies. Their ability to relocate quickly and split into multiple colonies makes them harder to control.
How many odorous house ants are in a colony?
An odorous house ant colony can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of ants. They reproduce rapidly, and colonies often split into smaller satellite colonies, which can spread throughout a property.
What attracts odorous house ants?
Odorous house ants are attracted to food sources, particularly sweet, sugary substances and moisture. Any accessible food in the kitchen, pantry, or pet food bowls can attract them indoors.
Where do odorous house ants live?
Odorous house ants nest outdoors in soil, mulch, and under stones. Indoors, they prefer wall voids, floorboards, and other hidden areas that provide warmth, shelter, and proximity to food sources.
How do you find an odorous house ant nest?
Finding an odorous house ant nest can be challenging. Look for trails of ants leading into wall voids, behind appliances, or near plumbing fixtures. Professional pest control technicians are skilled in identifying these hidden nesting sites.
Do odorous house ants cause damage?
While they don’t cause structural damage like termites or carpenter ants, odorous house ants can be a nuisance, contaminating food and nesting in areas that may damage insulation or other property features over time.
Need help with odorous house ant control?
If you’re struggling with odorous house ant infestations, professional pest control services like Ehrlich can offer a comprehensive solution. Ehrlich will identify the main colony and any satellite nests within your property and provide targeted treatments that address the specific needs of the infestation.
Odorous house ants are resilient pests best managed by our ant control experts. Contact us today for comprehensive and effective pest control solutions.