Knowing what you're dealing with is critical to being a pest management professional. Choose a category below for detailed species information and recommendations on products and training. And if you need extra advice, reach out to your Veseris representative at any time.
Odorous house ants (OHAs) belong to a subfamily of ants that use strong odors from anal glands as a chemical defense—there is no stinger. The odor isn’t unique to them, but comes in handy when identifying them against similar-looking pest ants. Although historically described as “rotten coconut”, pest management professionals (PMPs) didn’t always agree about what the odor smelled liked. A study in 2015 clarified the source of the odor as an organic compound also associated with blue cheese and rotten coconut. Penicillium molds that turn coconuts rotten are also used to make blue cheese, so PMPs that smell either are both correct.
***NARRATED COURSE***
Ants consistently rank as a top pest in the structural pest management industry. After completing this course, you should be able to determine how certain aspects of ant biology affect their management, identify the more commonly encountered pest ant species (depending on region), understand the importance of inspection, and recognize when the application of baits and non-repellent or repellent products are appropriate.
