How to Get Rid of Odorous House Ants

Confirm you have odorous house ants

Correct identification matters, because the right fix for odorous house ants differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) and are usually black and brown. Look for these features:

• Small, uniformly dark ant with an uneven thorax
• Rotten-coconut odor when crushed
• Erratic, fast-moving trails, especially after rain

They are most often confused with Argentine ant, little black ant and pavement ant. See the full odorous house ant profile for side-by-side details.

Why you have odorous house ants

Odorous House Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.

When you'll see odorous house ants

Odorous House Ants are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.

Typical places to check: kitchen and bathroom.

Step-by-step: getting rid of odorous house ants

Step 1: Wipe up crumbs

Wipe up crumbs and sugary spills and rinse recyclables. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Step 2: Place sweet gel baits along active trails

Place sweet gel baits along active trails and let ants carry it back. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Step 3: Trim plants touching the house

Trim plants touching the house and seal entry cracks. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Natural and low-toxicity options

These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:

• Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
• Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
• Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
• Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.

If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed pest control company if you still see odorous house ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.

How to keep odorous house ants from coming back

• Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
• Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
• Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
• Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.

Safety notes

Odorous house ants are a nuisance only; they rarely bite and don't sting.

Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.

About ants

The odorous house ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.

Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.

Frequently asked questions