How Harmful Are Sugar Ants?
If you’ve noticed small black ants trailing across your kitchen counter or pantry shelves, you might be wondering, “How harmful are sugar ants?” While these tiny pests are primarily a nuisance, understanding their behavior and potential risks can help you manage and prevent infestations effectively.
What Are Sugar Ants?
Sugar ants, commonly known as odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile), are small, dark brown to black ants that emit a distinctive odor when crushed, often described as a rotten coconut smell. These ants are attracted to sugary substances, which is why they are often found in kitchens and areas where food is stored.
Are Sugar Ants Harmful?
Generally, sugar ants are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases. However, their presence can indicate underlying issues and lead to certain problems:
- Food Contamination: Sugar ants can contaminate food by crawling over it, potentially spreading bacteria.
- Attraction of Other Pests: A significant infestation of sugar ants can attract other, potentially more harmful pests, such as cockroaches, rodents, or even other types of ants that bite or sting.
- Property Damage: While sugar ants don’t cause structural damage like carpenter ants, they can infest food packages and contaminate stored goods.
What Damages Can Ants Cause?
While sugar ants themselves are relatively harmless, other ant species can cause significant damage. For instance, carpenter ants can damage wood structures, and pharaoh ants can infest sensitive areas like hospitals.
To learn more about the potential damages different ant species can cause, visit our page on What Damages Can Ants Cause? for detailed information.
How to Prevent Sugar Ant Infestations
To keep sugar ants at bay, consider the following preventive measures:
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean kitchen surfaces and inspect your pantry for spills.
- Seal Entry Points: Check for cracks and openings where ants can enter your home.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and promptly clean up any food spills.
- Eliminate Water Sources: Fix leaky pipes and remove standing water to reduce moisture that attracts ants.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve implemented preventive measures and still notice sugar ants or other pests in your home, it may be time to consult a professional pest control service. Experts (like us) can identify the source of the infestation and implement effective treatments to eliminate the problem.
Sugar Ant Description
Size
The sugar ant is very small—measuring about 2.4-3.3mm long. They are typically about as small as a pencil eraser. Although they are small, they quickly become noticeable as they swarm around food or stream through your home in a line.
Color
Sugar ants are typically black in color.
Smell
This might sound strange, but when crushed, sugar ants release an unpleasant, coconut-smelling odor. Sugar ants have a gland that releases this smell and it’s why they are called the odorous house ant.
