They are particularly attracted to sweets. When crushed, they emit a distinct urine-like odor. Common nesting sites included substructure crawl spaces, along foundations, and occasionally underneath concrete slabs. They have been known to occasionally nest in wall or ceiling voids. Colonies of these ants can be very large and often involve multiple nests.
Infestations can occur in structures regardless of their age.
Buildings newly constructed, or in the vicinity where new construction is occurring, can become infested when colonies are disrupted by construction excavation. Proper sanitation, such as cleaning food spills and garbage promptly, and keeping sweets in sealed containers, is paramount. Homeowners may be able to control small invasions of these pests with bait products such as Terro. In persistent or widespread infestations due to multiple nesting areas, professional pest control services may be required to reduce the ant population through regular, ongoing treatments with short-term residual products. Some species can bite in a manner similar to velvety tree ants.