It’s that time of year in GA when winter has arrived. Colder temperatures cause some insects to look for a warmer place to live. Unfortunately, their destination could be your house. Some insects are looking to warm themselves in the sun on the side of your house, like Boxelder Bugs. Others are foraging for a food source, like ants. One of the most common ant species found in homes is the Odorous House Ant, also referred to as Sugar Ants. It earns its odorous name by producing a “rotten-coconutlike” odor when crushed.
Where do they live?
They are known to construct their nests near or beneath a moisture source. Some of their favorite places include wall voids, leaky toilets, sinks, water heaters, or bath traps. You should always fix any known leaks or wet areas to avoid attracting insects. The colonies usually number 2,000 to 10,000 ants. The workers and queens can live for several years and continue to grow the colony.
What are they looking for?
The colony will send out numerous scouts in multiple directions to forage for food in order to feed the colony. These ants are attracted to sweets but will feed on proteins such as meat, cheese and pet food when sweets can’t be found. Upon locating a food source, the ants will leave a scent or pheromone trail (think breadcrumbs) for the other ants to follow.
What can a homeowner do?
It is possible to temporarily disrupt the pheromone trail using a few household items such as: a vinegar/water mixture, baking soda, ground cinnamon, chili powder and cleaners with orange oil or ammonia. Just sprinkle or spray on the ant trail to mask the pheromones. This will only work temporarily. Click here for more in-depth instructions on disrupting an ant trail.
Odorous House Ant Treatments in Cumming, GA
Residents in Cumming, Georgia only want invited guests in their home this winter! Think Green wants to be your partner in pest control for your home. We understand that you don’t have the time or patience to deal with an ant invasion. No matter what bugs threaten to ruin your good time, our crew of professionals can handle it.
You don’t have to put up with odorous house ants – contact Think Green right away. Complete our contact form today to schedule your ant eradication.
