What do odorous house ants look like?
Odorous house ants are small, dark brown to black ants that measure about 1/8 inch in length. They have smooth, shiny bodies and 12-segmented antennae with a slightly clubbed tip.
Their most distinguishing feature? The strong, rotten coconut-like smell they give off when crushed—hence the name.
What attracts odorous house ants to my home?
Like many other household pests, odorous house ants are drawn to homes by food and moisture. In Pennsylvania, where humidity levels can fluctuate and kitchens are often warm and inviting, common attractants include:
- Spilled sugary drinks and food crumbs
- Pet food left out
- Leaky pipes, faucets, or appliances
- Damp areas like basements and bathrooms
Where do odorous house ants nest?
Indoors, these ants often build nests in wall voids, especially around insulation or near heat and moisture sources. You might find them:
- Under sinks
- Behind appliances
- Beneath floors or inside baseboards
- In termite-damaged wood
Outdoors, they prefer nesting in:
- Mulch beds and garden soil
- Under stones, logs, or firewood piles
- Beneath yard debris or landscaping materials
Are odorous house ants harmful?
Odorous house ants aren’t dangerous, but they are persistent and annoying. They don’t bite or sting, and they aren’t known to spread disease. However, when they infest kitchens and pantries, they can contaminate food and become a real nuisance.
How can I tell if I have an odorous house ant problem?
Watch for these signs:
- Trails of ants traveling to and from food and water sources
- Ants clustering in damp or hidden spots
- Nesting activity in wall voids or around insulation
- Groups of ants around sinks, pipes, and baseboards
- Ant activity around your foundation, landscaping, or mulch beds
Also keep an eye out for moisture issues, which can attract these ants and other pests.
What should I do if I have an odorous house ant infestation?
If you’ve spotted these ants indoors, DIY sprays or baits might offer short-term relief—but they rarely get rid of the whole colony. To fully eliminate the problem, it’s best to bring in a licensed pest control professional who knows how to locate and treat the source.
How do I get rid of odorous house ants?
At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we offer pest control services in Pittston, Scranton, and throughout our Pennsylvania service area that are designed to exterminate odorous house ants. What’s more, when you sign up for ongoing home pest control services, we’ll make sure ants and other house-infesting pests don’t have a chance to take over!
How can I prevent odorous house ants?
Here are a few pro tips to help keep ants out of your Pennsylvania home:
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation
- Keep counters, floors, and pet areas clean
- Store food in airtight containers
- Fix leaks and reduce humidity indoors
- Trim shrubs and branches away from your exterior walls
- Replace old mulch every couple of years
- Store firewood off the ground and away from your home
- Remove leaves and organic debris from your yard
