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If you have a home in West Palm Beach, Florida, the odds that you’ll deal with an ant problem are high. This is because ants are one of the most common pests found throughout the country, and many different species invade homes.
One of the more prevalent species around is the odorous house ant. They are very tiny ants that are only about a tenth of an inch long, and dark brown to black in color. It can be difficult to tell them apart from other species just by sight, but possibly the best way to identify them is by the smell they emit. When they are crushed, these ants let off a scent like rotten coconuts.
Odorous house ants are drawn to properties that have access to food, particularly sweet-smelling items or meat and proteins. Because of this, they are often found in kitchen areas and like to get into many different food products.
Are Odorous House Ants Harmful?
While some ant species can pose health risks or cause property damage, the odorous house ant isn’t one of them. Because of this, they are mostly considered nuisance pests. They don’t damage property as they don’t chew through things, and they also don’t spread diseases. Plus, they don’t bite or sting, so they aren’t a real risk to you or even to any pets you might have.
However, these ants can still be unpleasant to have around the home. They are invasive, and they will get into and contaminate food sources. You will need to throw out any food that they touch, and this can be frustrating. They also can be challenging to remove because they can spread throughout a home quickly.
And, of course, the unpleasant scent they emit into the air is also a problem. Because of this, odorous house ants are a pest that you’ll want to avoid.
Six Odorous House Ant Prevention Tips
While odorous house ants might not be dangerous, trying to remove their infestations can be challenging. Preventing them in the first place is much simpler, so there are a few effective steps you can take to make your home less appealing to them.
Here are six specific steps to follow:
- Since these ants are attracted to food, always keep kitchens clean. Do dirty dishes and sweep and mop often.
- If you have pets, keep their food stored in airtight containers.
- Place lids on garbage cans throughout the home and around the property. Also, keep them clean.
- Make sure that you’re wiping up spills and crumbs right away.
- Moisture issues around the property can also attract these ants. Decrease these problems by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaky plumbing.
- To make it more difficult for ants to get inside, repair broken screens and seal any cracks in the walls and foundation.
How Can You Remove Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants and all other ant species are just plain hard to get rid of, especially using DIY methods. Luckily, there is one sure way to get these stinky ants away from your house for good. The residential pest experts at Empire Pest Defense will eradicate the entire infestation before you know it, and we also provide ongoing assistance to keep them from coming back.
Give us a call at the first sign of an ant problem.