Odorous House Ants: Simple Guide to Control and Prevention looks into these pesky creatures and how to eliminate infestation. Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are a common household pest found throughout North America. How are they controlled or eliminated from your outdoor space?
Size and Color of Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants are small ants, measuring between 1/16 and 1/8 inch in length. They are typically brown or black in color, with paler legs and antennae. Odorous house ants have a segmented body with a distinct waist and emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed.
Where Do Odorous House Ants Live?
Odorous house ants nest in a variety of locations, including in soil, under rocks, in rotting logs, and in wall voids and other concealed spaces. They are often found near sources of moisture, such as near water pipes and in damp soil.
What Do They Like To Eat?
Odorous house ants are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including other insects, seeds, and sweet foods like honeydew and sugar. They are also known to feed on pet food and other household scraps. Odorous house ants are attracted to sweet and greasy foods, and will often form foraging trails to food sources.
How Do I Know If I Have An Ant Problem?
Odorous house ant infestations can be difficult to detect, as these ants are small and often nest in concealed spaces. However, signs of an infestation may include the presence of foraging ants, particularly near food sources or moisture, and the presence of ant nests or ant debris in cracks and crevices.
Controlling and Preventing Odorous House Ants
Controlling odorous house ants requires a multifaceted approach that includes eliminating food and water sources, sealing entry points, and using pesticides or baits to control the ants. Here are a few methods for controlling and preventing odorous house ants:
- Eliminate food and water sources: Odorous house ants are attracted to sweet and greasy foods, so keeping kitchens and other areas clean and free of food scraps can help to reduce the attractiveness of the area to ants. Fixing leaky pipes and other sources of moisture can also help to discourage ants.
- Seal entry points: Odorous house ants can enter buildings through cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Sealing these entry points with caulk or other materials can help to prevent ants from entering.
- Use pesticides or baits: Pesticides and baits can be effective in controlling odorous house ants. Spraying pesticides around the perimeter of a building or using baits near ant trails and nests can help to control the ant population.
- Hire a pest control professional: If an odorous house ant infestation is particularly severe or difficult to control, it may be necessary to hire a pest control professional for assistance. A professional can help to identify the source of the infestation and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Ready To Hire A Pro To Help?
If you’re dealing with an ant infestation problem, we can certainly help. These little critters can be a real pain, and getting rid of them can be quite a challenge. There’s a solution that can make your life a whole lot easier. Just fill out a free quote request to get things started. We’ll properly evaluate your outdoor space and get the job done right. We use premium, highly effective ant baits that are environmentally-friendly methods to eliminate your ant infestation. You can have peace of mind knowing that your family and pets are safe. Plus, we provide top-notch customer service and affordable pricing. So don’t wait any longer, call Green Oasis Outdoor today at 918-203-4900 and say goodbye to those pesky ants for good!