Ants are common invader of homes and businesses. Few can say they never crossed paths with an ant as they are notorious around the world. Some ants bite, transmit bacteria and/or cause property damage but all ant species are a nuisance that seem nearly impossible to rectify without a professional when they infest a home or business. We at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like to elaborate on the fundamentals of the odorous house ant in Pittsburgh.
What Do Odorous House Ants Look Like?
Only measuring up to an 1/8 of an inch long, odorous house ants, are also simply referenced as odorous ants. They are typically dark brown or black in color and their one node on their petiole is hidden by their abdomens. Odorous ants also have an unevenly shaped when they are seen on the side. When they are alarmed by predators or other potential threats worker odorous ants will move in quick, erratic motions, raising their abdomens into the air. When they get crushed, their most distinguishable characteristic is the odor of rotten coconuts they emit hence their name. Witnessing the worker ants foraging and seeing the winged swarmers active are usually the biggest indication of an infestation.
Where Do Odorous House Ants Live?
Frequently nesting in the floor or wall voids once inside, they get in by crawling through the cracks in the foundation or big enough openings around doors and windows and will feast on sweets and meats. Odorous ants generally want to be close to their food source, so they are usually found in kitchen pantries and cupboards due to their preference of warmth and moisture. Behind paneling, in wall crevices, water pipes, near heaters, under carpets, or beneath floors is where odorous ants tend to create their nests. These ants are opportunists and nest both indoors and outdoors. Shallow nests are built under the soil beneath logs, rocks, mulch, and other debris when living outdoors.
Are Odorous House Ants Dangerous?
When they invade kitchens, odorous ants tend to contaminate food products. Their bites are only mildly painful at best, as they are willingly to bite when they feel threatened. As being one of the most commonly encountered ants in homes, odorous ants are recognized, in general. Their persistence can be more than a nuisance as they forage in large numbers despite the rare bites are nothing to fear.
Odorous House Ant Diet
Odorous house ants will eat pastries, sugary foods, meats, dairy products, cooked or raw vegetables and fruit juices and these odorous ants will forage food 24/7. In the wild honeydew from aphids and mealybug are in their diet.
Ant Control
When you see have you an odorous ant infestation, call the professionals Stewart Termite and Pest Control, as they are a challenge to remove from inside your home. A colony can be destroyed and get your home odorous ant free in a timely matter with our proven and effective methods and treatments. Help with defensive measures to avoid future infestations, our experts have the training and experience to methodically remove these ants. Call us today to get started with you’re an infestations eliminations.