What is the best method for controlling the odorous house ant?

The most effective method for controlling the odorous house ant is managing the population of honeydew-producing insects on plants. These ants are attracted to the sugary substance known as honeydew, which is secreted by aphids, whiteflies, and some scale insects. By controlling the population of these honeydew-producing pests, you directly reduce the food source available to the odorous house ants, thereby making the environment less hospitable for them.

While using sticky traps can help monitor and capture some of the ant population, it does not address the root cause of their attraction. Regular insecticide spraying might provide temporary relief but can also disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, potentially harming beneficial insects and may not solve the larger issue of low food resources. Additionally, eliminating moisture sources is important for overall pest management but does not specifically target the food source that draws odorous house ants to an area.

Therefore, focusing on controlling honeydew-producing insects not only reduces the immediate attraction for the ants but also helps in managing their population in the long term.