Odorous house ants are tiny, about ⅛ of an inch long. They have a uniform black or dark brown color and elbowed antennae. You may notice their scent—squishing one underfoot can release their distinctive odor, often compared to rotting coconut or sour milk.
These ants are not picky eaters. They love sweets but will consume just about anything edible. Outside, you’ll find them feeding on nectar from flowers or honeydew left behind by aphids. They’ll also feast on dead insects, trash scraps, and carrion around your home’s foundation. Inside, they target sugary foods like honey, cereal, bread, and anything else they can find in your pantry or kitchen cabinets. They’ll even nibble on crumbs and grease around your oven.
Not directly—they won’t bite or sting you. But like other pests, they can spread harmful bacteria by moving it from trash or dirty areas to your food or clean surfaces. So, finding them crawling around your cereal box is a sign you need to take action.
Unlike carpenter ants, odorous house ants don’t chew through wood or cause structural damage. They mainly exploit existing gaps to get inside. Once inside, they don't cause significant damage to your things but can leave behind their stinky scent.
Like most pests, odorous house ants can enter your home through various entry points. Here are some common ways they find their way inside:
Odorous house ants don’t need an invite—they’ll exploit any opening.
These ants love dark, hidden spaces for nesting. Typical spots include under floors, behind baseboards, kitchen wall voids, and near leaky plumbing. Following ant trails can help you pinpoint their nests.
The first sign of an infestation is the appearance of scout ants. These little workers are out searching for food. Once they find something tasty, they leave behind a scent trail that’s invisible to us but easy for other ants to follow. As more worker ants follow the trail, you’ll see more of them in your home. If you notice a large group, it’s a clear sign you have an infestation. However, if they return to their outdoor nest, it may not be a full-blown issue—yet. Continue to monitor the situation and consider sealing up gaps around your home. If you see more ants or trails inside, it’s time to call for a pest inspection.
Eliminating odorous house ants can be challenging. They tend to create multiple nests indoors, making it tough to eradicate them entirely. They also use several entry points to get inside, making exterior treatments essential to stop them from coming back.
Rather than tackling the problem on your own, it's best to call in a professional. Big Time Pest Control offers year-round home pest control services in Northern California that exterminate existing pests and stop new pest activity from developing. Contact us today to find out how we can help you resolve an odorous house ant infestation!
To prevent odorous house ants from infesting, we recommend the following tips:
For worry-free protection, consider ongoing pest control service from the experienced team at Big Time Pest Control.
Martin is an asset to your company! He’s very friendly and thorough and very helpful with any questions or concerns that we might have. I am very satisfied with the service he provides. Thank you to Martin and Big Time!!!!
Wayne L.
Anderson, CA
Jamie from Big Time Pest Control is the "BEST!" He calls to let me know he is on his way. He listens to any bug/rodent concerns I have, then does a very thorough treatment of my entire property! Thank you Jamie and Big Time for training your team in such a thorough manner!
Cindy Lou B.
Anderson, CA
Matt is always very thorough and willing to answer questions. He’s also the first person our dog is willing to take treats from. My dog likes you, and you get rid of my ants—that’s a win-win in my book. Thanks, Matt!
Danielle C.
Mt. Shasta, CA
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