While there’s no need to freak out if you see ants in your house, you shouldn’t ignore them. · Odorous house ants are about 1/8-inch long and are fast movers; they smell like rotten bananas or blue cheese when crushed. Place baits where you see ants coming in, or at least outside the house or on an outside wall. “This is especially important if ants are a perpetual problem for you.”Why Is My Ant Bait Not Working? All ants like moisture, and carpenter ants excavate soft, water-damaged wood and can cause further structural damage to your home.