If you’re seeing tiny ants in your kitchen or bathroom this spring, you’re not alone.
These are often odorous house ants, one of the most common household pests in East Tennessee.
Why They Show Up in Spring

As temperatures rise, these ants begin actively searching for:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
Homes provide all three.

How They Get Inside
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps under doors
- Utility entry points
Once they find a food source, they establish trails quickly.
The Mistake Most Homeowners Make
Spraying the visible ants.
This often causes the colony to split and spread, making the problem worse.
What the Smell Means
When crushed, these ants give off a rotten coconut odor, which is how they got their name.
Blount County Tip:
If you’re seeing consistent ant trails, the colony is already established nearby.
If you want bugs dead, you have to use Common Sense.
Pest Control Services in Maryville and Blount County
If you’re dealing with carpenter ants or other spring pests, Common Sense Pest Control provides:
- Pest control in Maryville TN
- Ant control in Blount County
- Termite inspections in Alcoa TN
- Mosquito control in East Tennessee