When you see two or three ants in the house, you may not think much of it. Crush them, clean them up, and they’re gone, right? Unfortunately, where there are a few ants, there are almost certainly many more in close proximity.
Are Odorous House Ants Hard To Get Rid Of?
When it comes to common pests found in East End homes at this time of year, seeing a few house ants may seem like no big deal. They don’t bite and they won’t chew through your walls. They’re easy to dismiss or ignore. But are they really as harmless as they might seem?
The problem with ants is that where there are one or two, there are almost certainly dozens more – possibly hundreds – hidden from view. Odorous house ants are one of the species that you may encounter in late spring and early summer. Less than an eighth of an inch long, odorous house ants are black or brown, and have an oddly shaped mid-section. Their most noticeable trait is that, when crushed, they emit a highly unpleasant scent (often likened to that of rotting coconut) hence their name.
Long Islanders, Ant Season Is Upon Us!
The days are lengthening, birds are singing in the trees, and flowers are budding… it’s spring on Long Island. Unfortunately, along with the glories of the season come springtime pests – including the annual invasion of multiple ant species.
Ant Intelligence
Dealing with an ant infestation can be frustrating. Just when you think you’ve eliminated them, they mysteriously pop up in a different location and work in concert to avoid your extermination efforts. You think surely, they’re gone… but there they are, marching in lockstep into your pantry.
How can these tiny insects with minuscule brains be so good at thwarting your efforts to get rid of them? The answer lies in how those tiny brains work together to manifest an outsized level of intelligence.
The Pros and Cons of Carpenter Ants
When you think of carpenter ants, it’s entirely possible nothing positive comes to mind. But did you know they serve an important role in the ecosystem, and have some benefits for gardens as well? Carpenter ants are fascinating creatures…as long as they don’t come too close to your home or property.
What Are Odorous House Ants?
You see a few tiny ants crawling toward a forgotten breakfast crumb on your counter. Without thinking, you squish them with a paper towel, and suddenly there’s an unpleasant smell of rotting coconut. Yuck! You have odorous house ants. [Read more…]
