Are you noticing ants around your Southern Maryland home? There’s likely a reason they’re sticking around.
There are over 13,000 ant species throughout the world, but none quite wrinkle the nose as much as odorous house ants. As the name suggests, these ants release a strange odor when they’re crushed. The smell is often described as similar to blue cheese, rancid butter, or rotten coconuts.
Don’t let these ants rent out a room in your beautiful Southern Maryland home. Instead, read this guide to learn more about how to get rid of odorous ants!
How Do I Get Odorous Ants?
Odorous house ants are native to the United States. They live in colonies of up to 100,000 ants. These ants are characterized by:
- A size between 1/16″ to 1/8″
- Brown or black in color
- A segmented, oval body shape
- Six legs
These ants eat dead insects, sugary sweets, and meats. You might find odorous ants around your home after a party. Leaving food out can attract these critters into your household.
These ants also make their homes in:
- Exposed soil
- Under stones
- Logs
- Mulch
- Debris
They often nest in wall and floor cracks as well.
These ants often target kitchen pantries and cupboards. Make sure you’re keeping these areas clean and crumb-free. Otherwise, you’re bound to find these ants in your Southern Maryland home.
How Serious Are They?
Odorous house ants don’t pose a threat to your health. However, they can contaminate the food or waste you leave around your house. They also stink when they’re crushed.
Odorous ants often invade kitchen storage areas, like your cupboards. This gives them the chance to ruin your food, which could cause frustration and wasted money.
These pests also bite. While it won’t cause much pain, it can become irritating.
How Do I Get Rid of Them?
The best way to get rid of odorous house ants and other pests is to call a professional. Specialists can develop a custom plan to keep your home bug-free.
Don’t use a homeowner applied liquid or aerosol insecticide on your own. These products can cause the ants to scatter and create new nests.
You can also prevent odorous house ants from crawling around your home in the future.
First, make sure you eliminate standing water around your home. Ants are attracted to moisture. Look for any puddles or leaking sources of water near your house.
Next, make sure to cut back any tree branches or plants that are near your home.
Sometimes, ants use these branches to get inside. They might also use cracks or little openings to crawl into your home, so close those gaps!
Check that any firewood or building materials near your home are stored away. Pests, including odorous house ants, build their necks using stacks of wood.
Remove Odorous House Ants from Your Southern Maryland Home
Don’t let odorous house ants take over your Southern Maryland home. Instead, call the experts to get rid of these stinky pests.
Our locally owned and operated pest exterminator company is here to help. We use eco-friendly treatment options to provide Maryland residents with peace of mind.
Contact us today to get started!
If you live in Southern Maryland, or Northern Virginia and need help please call us now or visit our website here.