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Odorous house ant against a white background - Keep odorous house ants away from your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Odorous House Ant

Actual Size: 1/16″ to 1/8″

Characteristics: Small, brown or black, and are notable for emitting a distinct scent similar to that of a rotten coconut if crushed (the origin of their name).

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Found on reproductive males and females

Habitat: Odorous house ants are drawn to moist environments and are commonly found nesting in the cavities of walls close to water pipes, heaters, and leaky fixtures. They also reside in areas with damaged wood, often exacerbated by moisture issues.

Habits:

  • Often establish nests within homes, particularly around heat sources or in wall voids.
  • They have a preference for sweets but will consume nearly all types of household food.
  • Frequently enter buildings during or following heavy rainfalls, particularly when their primary food source outside (the honeydew produced by aphids and other insects) is scarce.


Odorous House Ants in Central Arkansas

Odorous house ants, sometimes called “sugar ants,” are notorious for their unpleasant odor when crushed. They are particularly troublesome due to their cooperative nature; different colonies often work together, allowing them to overwhelm areas quickly. Although they prefer outdoor environments to feed on aphid-produced honeydew, they will invade homes when their food sources are depleted by rain.

Odorous House Ant Habitat

Odorous house ants are adaptive and can relocate their nests often. They typically nest under objects like boards or stones and favor piled materials for shelter such as lumber and bricks. When indoors, they are attracted to areas with high moisture levels, making kitchens and food preparation zones common invasion points.

Odorous House Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While these ants are generally outdoor dwellers and do not bite or sting, their indoor foraging can be a nuisance, especially during wet conditions. They are known to contaminate food by establishing scent-marked foraging trails across kitchen surfaces and other areas where food is stored or prepared.

If an odorous house ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.