Homes and businesses are commonly being invaded by pests, and ants top the list. They are generally found raiding kitchens where they enjoy pilfering spilled crumbs. When seeing the line of marching ants, people grab the most convenient chemical and drown them in the spray; thinking the problem is resolved as the corpses are dealt with but within a few hours another round of ants are marching through. Not only is their presence a nuisance to most, the stings they can deliver to protect the nest and queen can be obnoxiously uncomfortable and sometimes even painful depending on the species. Among the many ant species, odorous ants are fairly common in Utah which is why we at Rentokil would like to take the opportunity to share the basics.

Odorous Ant Identification

A native species found across the United States, odorous ants, or their scientific name Tapinoma Sessile, are rightfully named because when they are crushed, a foul stench, much like a rotten coconut smell, is produced. Despite only having one node, odorous ants are often mistaken for pavement ants. The workers average up to 1/8 inches in length, have 12-segmented antennae, and range from brown to black in color. Odorous ant colonies contain anywhere from 100 to 10,000 members and once hatched, it only takes 24 days for an ant to reach adulthood. Odorous ants are frequently invaded by other ant species, causing them to be driven away from their nests.

Odorous House Ant Infestation

Odorous ants work around the clock, foraging for food both day and night. They will construct their nests in a number of varying locations. If they infest homes, odorous ants prefer places around hot water pipes and heaters, but will also be found establishing their nests in sinks, cupboards, crevices, and wall voids. Outside, odorous ants will build their nests in exposed shallow soil under bricks, stone walk, boards, and other related objects. More often than not, odorous ants will infiltrate buildings in search of sweet edibles once their honeydew supply or other sweet supply of food is nearly depleted by natural occurrences such as rainy weather or leaf fall.

Diet of Odorous Ants

Not only do they favor sweets, but odorous ants are omnivorous, feeding on nearly anything in addition to honeydew such as seeds, plant secretions, and a variety of insects. Being extremely fond of honeydew, these ants will protect the honeydew-excreting insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and other scale insects, even to great lengths as stashing them in the nest.

Ant Control

Odorous ants will leave behind a chemical trail of pheromones between their nests and potential food sources, like most ants for the workers can get back and forth with ease. This trait is often used to the professional’s advantage. Treating the odorous ants’ trail is an effective method frequently used. Odorous ants can present a challenge to get rid of, but with Rentokil technicians applying our expertise, removal is ensured. If you have odorous ants or other pests infesting your home or business, call Rentokil today!