Are you looking for a pest control company because your home may have an ant infestation in Dublin? If so, then you may be dealing with the odorous house ant. Read on to learn some interesting facts about this common household pest.
Appearance
The odorous house antâs name comes from the powerful odor that it gives off when crushed, and the smell is commonly described as something similar to rotten coconut. This small insect ranges in size from about 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch in length. The odorous house ant is brown or black in color, has a shape that is oval and segmented, and is found throughout the United States.
Behavior
This ant is fond of sweet foods and has a particular taste for honeydew. The odorous house ant commonly moves to a different location and builds a new nest every few months in response to rainfall. When living indoors, this insect makes its home in places like wall voids that are near moisture, such as within termite-damaged wood, under leaky plumbing, or next to water heater pipes. Outside your home, you might find these ants living beneath piles of firewood or in exposed dirt.
Dangers
The odorous house ant is not considered a threat to human health. However, these bugs should be avoided or dealt with because they can contaminate food. If you see these insects in or around your home, then you may have an ant infestation and should consider contacting a pest control company.
Prevention
Are you hoping to keep these ants out of your home? If so, then there are several steps that you can take. Start by inspecting every area in and around your home for signs of excess moisture, as this will attract ants and other insects. After removing any water sources, seal off any cracks, torn vent screens, or other possible entry points that you can find on your homeâs exterior. Finally, move any firewood or building materials away from your home because odorous house ants prefer to build nests in stacks of wood.