There are few things more irritating for a homeowner than an insect infestation. And when it comes to insects, nothing tops the sheer frustration that can be caused by an ant invasion. Even worse, there are so many types of ants that they can attack your home in a variety of different ways.
Pavement ants will dig tunnels under your driveway. Argentine ants reproduce so much they can form super colonies. Thief ants are tiny invaders that love grease, fats and food spills of any size. The odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK, however, are a problem unto themselves.
What are odorous house ants?
Odorous house ants are nasty little dark-brown ants that typically measure up to an eighth of an inch in length. These ants have smooth, hairless bodies and lop-sided tail ends (or thoraxes). True to their name, these unpleasant bugs emit a rotten stench whenever they’re crushed. Some have equated it to the scent of a coconut that is well past its prime.
It’s also worth noting that odorous house ants are capable of biting when they’re encountered.
Where might I find odorous house ants?
Like several other species of ant, odorous house ants can be found in yards and homes across the country. In fact, some experts suggest that odorous house ants are the most commonly encountered ant in North America. When conditions are good, they prefer to build mounds in loose soil. When they’re searching for food, however, odorous house ants can become particularly sneaky. They’ll build entire colonies in cracks in your walls.
In particular, odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK are prone to entering your home in search of water. That makes them an especially potent threat during the spring and summer months when water outdoors is scarce.
How do I get rid of odorous house ants?
To properly combat any kind of invasion from odorous house ants, you should focus your attention in two spots:
- First, walk around the perimeter of your home and look for cracks in its exterior. Holes or tears in the siding, brick or foundation can serve as an ideal entry point and eventual nest for invading odorous house ants.
- Second, make sure to clear any standing water as quickly as possible. Spills should be cleaned up promptly, and leaks in your plumbing should be addressed as soon as humanly possible. Any kind of puddle in and around your home is a big enticement to odorous house ants.
A qualified pest control professional can educate you on the various ways to prevent an odorous house ant infestation.
Call in the pros
If you’re having trouble with odorous house ants in Bartlesville, OK, you can count on Excellence Pest Control. Since we opened our doors in 2003, we have had the opportunity to mitigate a massive range of pest incursions. As a result, we have experience eliminating everything from bed bugs to rats.
We take immense pride in offering first-rate service across a sizable swath of Oklahoma and Kansas. You’ll recognize our work through our highly-trained and courteous team of pest control experts. If you’re having issues with any kind of invader, give us a call today.