Learn what attracts these stinky ants and why you shouldn’t crush them.
The Spruce / Mira Norian
What Do Odorous Ants Look Like?
Some odorous house ants have wings for a very short time.
The Spruce / Mira Norian
These ants swarm to breed in the spring or early summer.
What Attracts Odorous Ants?
Odorous ants enter homes after heavy rains because they are escaping their flooded nests in the ground.
Signs of Odorous Ants
You’ll know you have odorous ants because of their distinct smell.
Use Sprays
Kill odorous ants on contact with a DIY spray.
Fill a spray bottle with liquid dish soap and water and aim it at the ants.
However, the spray does not affect other ants back at the nest.
More ants will soon appear because they are following the pheromone scent trail left by the ants you killed.
Erasing these trails prevents new ants from gathering in your home.
Let the vinegar and water solution dry naturally and don’t wipe it up.
Look for nests anywhere indoors, such as in walls, window frames, and insulation.
It’s also tough to kill the queen odorous ant because it can withstand extreme temperature changes.
Warning
It is important toidentify the species of antyou have before treatment.
When using any pesticide, always thoroughly read and follow all label directions and safety precautions.
Keep all pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
A pest control service will apply commercial insecticides, locate the nests, and destroy them.
Odorous ants are more pesky than harmful.
However, they can cause problems in your food by contaminating it as they forage.
These ants do not sting, and it is highly unusual for them to bite humans or pets.
Sugary food and liquids will attract odorous ants into your home.
Tapinoma Sessile Odorous House Ant.University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Ants in the Home.Colorado State University Extension.
A Guide to House-Invading Ants and Their Control.
North Carolina State Extension.
Pest Control and Pesticide Safety for Consumers.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
