Pest Videos

Transcript

I'm Missy Henriksen with the National Pest Management Association, and today we're talking about odorous house ants, what they are, and how you can keep them out of your house.

Odorous house ants get their name from the distinct smell they give off when they're crushed. It's an odor something like a rotten coconut. They're very small. They don't get much bigger than an eighth of an inch, and they nest just about anywhere. In exposed soil, cracks in a wall, under rocks or even behind cabinets.

One odorous house ant can live for several years. They're especially common on the East Coast and mid atlantic areas of the United States. Odorous house ants like to eat sweets. If there's food sitting out in your kitchen, they may migrate indoors. These ants won't do any structural damage to your home, and they don't pose a public health risk, but that doesn't mean you want them in your house. They can contaminate food, and they're a nuisance, so take steps to avoid an infestation. 

To keep odorous house ants away. Get rid of any standing water in your yard. Moisture tends to attract ants and other pests, keep plants and branches cut back from the exterior walls of your house and seal any cracks or holes, especially where utility pipes enter your home. Check around the kitchen and make sure food is contained and sealed tightly, especially sweet pantry staples like syrup, molasses and sugar. And check your fruit bowl. Any overripe fruit will attract ants. If you have pets, keep an eye on their water and food bowls and clean them regularly. If you think you may have an infestation of odorous house ants in your home or yard, contact a licensed pest professional to treat the problem and get your house ant free.