How Does Ant Bait work?

Ant baits work by attracting ants with a food-based lure, which is combined with a slow-acting insecticide. The ants carry the bait back to their colony to share with other ants, including the queen. As the bait is passed around and consumed by the colony, it gradually spreads throughout the entire ant population and can lead to the elimination of the colony.
The active ingredients in ant baits vary, but common ones include borax, fipronil, and abamectin. These insecticides are low in toxicity to humans and pets and are designed to be slow-acting, allowing enough time for the ants to share the bait with other members of the colony.
It's important to note that ant baits can take several days or even weeks to be effective, as it can take time for the bait to be consumed and spread throughout the colony. Additionally, it's important to use baits that are specifically formulated for the type of ants being targeted, as different ant species have different food preferences and behavioral patterns.
Overall, ant baits are a relatively safe and effective way to control ant infestations, particularly when used in conjunction with other pest control methods such as eliminating potential food sources, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean environment.

Odorous House Ant Biology 

Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are a common household pest found in many parts of North America. Here are some key aspects of their biology:

1. Appearance: Odorous house ants are small, typically ranging in size from 2.4 to 3.3 mm in length. They are dark brown to black in color and have a distinctive odor when crushed, often described as a "rotten coconut" smell.
2. Diet: Odorous house ants are omnivores and will feed on a wide variety of foods, including sweets, meats, fruits, and other insects. They are also known to feed on honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids and other plant-sucking insects.
3. Nesting habits: Odorous house ants are typically found nesting outdoors in soil, leaf litter, and mulch. They may also nest indoors in wall voids, crawl spaces, and other secluded areas. Colonies can contain multiple queens and can range in size from a few hundred to several thousand workers.
4. Reproduction: Queens can lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime, which hatch into small larvae that are cared for by worker ants. The larvae develop into pupae, which eventually emerge as adult workers.
5. Behavior: Odorous house ants are known for their ability to form large, transient colonies that can move from one location to another. They also have a tendency to form multiple nesting sites, making them difficult to control.

Overall, odorous house ants can be a nuisance when they invade homes, but they are not considered a major structural pest and are not known to cause significant damage to buildings. Proper sanitation, exclusion measures, and targeted pesticide applications can help to control infestations.