Ants are very common household pests, and they can cause all kinds of problems for homeowners, from property damage to health issues. While all species of ants can be harmful for homeowners, odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK have some unique characteristics that make them particularly unpleasant houseguests. These ants have a distinctly foul odor that can be very irritating for homeowners. So, why do some house ants stink in Bartlesville, OK? Keep reading to find out.
The basics of odorous ants
Like many other ant species, odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK are attracted to the available sources of food, shelter and water found in many homes. You might notice trails of odorous ants in your kitchen, especially if food is left out on the counter or somebody spills a sugary beverage or snack. These ants are small, black insects that trail through homes in colonies, searching for sources of water and sugar. The thing that sets these ants apart from other species is the distinct odor they produce. This odor is released when the ants are crushed or responding to a dangerous situation.
The odor produced by odorous ants is often compared to rotting coconuts, bleu cheese or turpentine. This odor is designed to help the ants evade predators and to alert the rest of the colony to danger. In addition to releasing this bad odor, odorous ants also respond to danger by breaking formation and running in all directions. Odorous ants also move nests frequently, making it more challenging for homeowners to track down the source of an odorous ant infestation.
Getting rid of odorous ants
The most important thing to do if you notice ants in your home is to clean your kitchen to get rid of any potential food sources. Scrub floors and counters to remove food residue and sticky spots that might attract odorous ants. Put away any food in sealed containers that ants can’t get into. Check your pantry for honey and other sweeteners with residue around the lid that ants might be able to access.
After cleaning up your kitchen, place baited traps to kill any remaining ants in your home. If you’re dealing with a more widespread ant infestation, it’s best to get help from a pest control specialist. A professional exterminator has the ability to address an ant infestation with effective solutions to get rid of pests. Contact a local pest control professional to discuss your pest problem and request a consultation. Once a pest control technician comes to your home and performs an inspection, they will provide pest control service recommendations to rid your home of odorous ants.
Ant control solutions
At Excellence Pest Control, we know just how frustrating it can be to deal with ant infestations, and we’re here to provide the best ant control solutions around. Our team of pest control technicians is equipped with the experience, tools and knowledge necessary to address pest infestations of all kinds. If you’re dealing with odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK, give our team a call today!