The odorous house ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny brown ants range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.

Habits

Odorous house ants like to eat sweets and are especially fond of honeydew. They are known to move their nests every three months or so in response to rain.

Habitat

Indoors, odorous house ants nest near moisture sources, such as in wall voids near hot water pipers, in heaters, beneath leaky fixtures, and inside wood damaged by termites. Outside, odorous ants are often found in exposed soil or under stacks of firewood.

Threats

Odorous house ants do not pose a public health risk but can contaminate food and should be avoided. Contact an ant pest control specialist if you notice odorous ants on your property. If you notice signs of odorous house ants, contact a professional immediately to discuss a proper course of odorous ant removal.

Odorous House Ant Prevention

Pests such as odorous ants are attracted to moisture. To prevent odorous house ants, eliminate standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes odorous ants use these branches to get into the home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of the foundation. Ensure firewood and building materials are not stored next to the home because odorous house ants like to build nests in stacks of wood.

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