Sacramento's Guide To Odorous House Ants
Ants are one of the more prevalent pest problems in Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas. They are also one of the most annoying. Ants are almost always invasive and hard to get rid of as they can reproduce quickly and invade many areas of your home that you can't see.
While there are many different ant species around, one of the most common is the odorous house ant. These ants are relatively small at only around 1/16-1/8 inches long, and they are a dark brown to black color. While they can be difficult to tell apart from other species, you can identify the odorous house ant by their unevenly shaped thorax when you view them from the side. They also have only one node or "waist" attaching their thorax to their abdomen.
Because these ants are difficult to remove once inside, the best way to protect your home from them is by taking preventive steps. In this guide, you'll learn how to deal with these ants, including how to deter them.
Are Odorous House Ants Harmful?
While some species of ant can spread diseases and others can cause property damage, the odorous house ant is mostly considered a nuisance pest. They don't pose any real threats to your property, and they also aren't known to cause any health issues, including diseases or allergic reactions.
However, as with any other ant or pest that gets inside, they will still contaminate food sources. The odorous house ant is attracted to both people and pet food, and what food they touch they contaminate.
The other gross thing about odorous house ants is that they emit a foul-smelling odor. When they are crushed, these ants release a smell that is similar to rotten coconuts, and it's quite unpleasant to encounter.
Seven Odorous House Ant Prevention Tips
While odorous house ants don't cause any significant health or safety risks, they still aren't a pest you want inside your home or business. An infestation can grow out of control quickly, so the best way to handle these ants is to focus on deterring them.
Here are seven simple ways to keep ants away:
- Keep pet food stored inside and in airtight containers.
- Always wipe up any food spills and drink crumbs right away.
- Always keep kitchen areas cleaned. This includes mopping often, doing dirty dishes, and cleaning out pantries.
- Take out the garbage regularly and place lids on all trash cans.
- Make it harder for odorous house ants to come inside by repairing or replacing broken screens.
- Seal up cracks around the edges of doors and windows. Also, install door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Look around the walls and foundation of the home and fill up holes and cracks with foam and caulking.
Despite your best efforts to eliminate ants from your home, you still may find yourself dealing with a problem. In the end, it's best to partner with the professionals at ProServe Pest Management.
ProServ Pest Management Will Eliminate Your Ant Problem
No matter what you do to prevent ants, there is still always some chance of an infestation. Unfortunately, any species of ant, including the odorous house ant, is difficult to remove because of their large numbers. If you do find ants in your Sacramento home or business, the pest control experts at ProServ Pest Management can eliminate them quickly and efficiently.
Our residential and commercial pest control services are thorough and reliable, and we are locally owned and operated. When it comes to pest prevention and control services, we are the best. Call us today to learn more about how you can keep your Sacramento home pest-free all year long.
Are Odorous House Ants Harmful?
While some species of ant can spread diseases and others can cause property damage, the odorous house ant is mostly considered a nuisance pest. They don't pose any real threats to your property, and they also aren't known to cause any health issues, including diseases or allergic reactions.
However, as with any other ant or pest that gets inside, they will still contaminate food sources. The odorous house ant is attracted to both people and pet food, and what food they touch they contaminate.
The other gross thing about odorous house ants is that they emit a foul-smelling odor. When they are crushed, these ants release a smell that is similar to rotten coconuts, and it's quite unpleasant to encounter.
Seven Odorous House Ant Prevention Tips
While odorous house ants don't cause any significant health or safety risks, they still aren't a pest you want inside your home or business. An infestation can grow out of control quickly, so the best way to handle these ants is to focus on deterring them.
Here are seven simple ways to keep ants away:
- Keep pet food stored inside and in airtight containers.
- Always wipe up any food spills and drink crumbs right away.
- Always keep kitchen areas cleaned. This includes mopping often, doing dirty dishes, and cleaning out pantries.
- Take out the garbage regularly and place lids on all trash cans.
- Make it harder for odorous house ants to come inside by repairing or replacing broken screens.
- Seal up cracks around the edges of doors and windows. Also, install door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Look around the walls and foundation of the home and fill up holes and cracks with foam and caulking.
Despite your best efforts to eliminate ants from your home, you still may find yourself dealing with a problem. In the end, it's best to partner with the professionals at ProServe Pest Management.
ProServ Pest Management Will Eliminate Your Ant Problem
No matter what you do to prevent ants, there is still always some chance of an infestation. Unfortunately, any species of ant, including the odorous house ant, is difficult to remove because of their large numbers. If you do find ants in your Sacramento home or business, the pest control experts at ProServ Pest Management can eliminate them quickly and efficiently.
Our residential and commercial pest control services are thorough and reliable, and we are locally owned and operated. When it comes to pest prevention and control services, we are the best. Call us today to learn more about how you can keep your Sacramento home pest-free all year long.