Infestations are more likely to occur after rainfall than in dry conditions. Inside the home, they prefer to colonize areas near a heat source or insulation, typically in wall voids or beneath the floor. They forage day and night, both in wandering patterns and along trails of up to 50 feet in length. They can easily contaminate food supplies. Odorous ants also occasionally mate in flying swarms, which along with the activity of foraging workers, will likely serve as the only sign of infestation.