Odorous House Ants Removal
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/16″ to 1/8″ |
| Body | Smooth, hairless body with uneven thorax |
| Color | Black or brown |
| Legs | 6 |
| Antennae | Yes |
| Wings | Yes – only the reproductive males and females |
Habitat:
- Will nest in wall voids near water pipes, heaters, leaking fixtures, and damaged wood are all ideal habitats
- Indoors, will usually nest in wall voids near heat sources
- Will nest outdoors under stones, planters, and indoors in wall voids near heat sources
Habits:
- Emit a “rotten coconut” smell when they are crushed
- Primarily feed on sweets but will eat almost any household food
Odorous House Ants, also called Sugar Ants, are the most common infestations inside homes. Because colonies are formed quickly, they can grow to be quite large containing two or more queens and over 100,000 workers. Named for the “rotten coconut” smell they emit when crushed, they are often found in pantries and kitchen cupboards.
Odorous House Ant Habitats
Odorous House Ants are found both outside and in. Outside, they often nest in soil, debris, under rocks, firewood, and mulch. When they find their way inside, they prefer areas of moisture such as wall voids, near water pipes, damaged wood, and near leaking fixtures. Most commonly, they will be found in kitchens as they forage for food that is high in sugar and protein.
Odorous House Ant Behaviors and Dangers
While these Ants can bite, it is uncommon and not painful. The largest threat Odorous House Ants pose is to food contamination. Because their colonies are so large, they forage in large numbers and can contaminate large quantities of food and can be difficult to eliminate. Scout ants will leave a scent trail back to their nest from the food source which the workers follow in large numbers, infesting a kitchen or pantry.
What to do if you think you have an Odorous House Ant Infestation
If you have evidence of an infestation of Sugar Ants, give The Bug Man and Queen Bee a call! Our dedicated office staff will schedule a technician to come out as soon as possible (sometimes the next day!). The day of your appointment, a licensed technician will come to your home and do a full inspection and eliminate the problem. As a local and family-owned business, we strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and we guarantee all our work. Call or email us to get a free estimate today!