Odorous House Ants
Tapinoma sessile
The odorous house ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny brown ants range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.
Pest Stats
Color
Brown or black
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size
1/16" - 1/8"
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found throughout U.S.
Odorous House Ant Photos
Videos View All Videos
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Learn more about odorous house ants including how to prevent an infestation and what to do if you have ants in your home.
-
How are ants able to carry such large crumbs? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, explains. Discover additional information about ants and ant control.
-
What attracts ants to my kitchen counter? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, discusses why ants tend to march into the heart of the home. Visit the Ants Pest Guide to learn more about the common types of ants.
-
Watch this video highlighting the basics on the number one nuisance pest in America - ants.
-
Watch this video to learn where ants are most commonly found in homes and advice on how to get rid of ants.
-
Watch this video to learn how to prevent ants and what to do if you have ants in your home.
The odorous house ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny brown ants range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.
Pest Stats
Color
Brown or black
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size
1/16" - 1/8"
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found throughout U.S.
Videos View All Videos
-
Learn more about odorous house ants including how to prevent an infestation and what to do if you have ants in your home.
-
How are ants able to carry such large crumbs? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, explains. Discover additional information about ants and ant control.
-
What attracts ants to my kitchen counter? Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, discusses why ants tend to march into the heart of the home. Visit the Ants Pest Guide to learn more about the common types of ants.
-
Watch this video highlighting the basics on the number one nuisance pest in America - ants.
-
Watch this video to learn where ants are most commonly found in homes and advice on how to get rid of ants.
-
Watch this video to learn how to prevent ants and what to do if you have ants in your home.
Habits
Odorous house ants like to eat sweets and are especially fond of honeydew. They are known to move their nests every three months or so in response to rain.
Habitat
Indoors, odorous house ants nest near moisture sources, such as in wall voids near hot water pipers, in heaters, beneath leaky fixtures and inside wood damaged by termites. Outside, odorous ants are often found in exposed soil or under stacks of firewood.
Threats
Odorous house ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. If you notice odorous ants in your property, contact an ant pest control specialist.
If you notice signs of odorous house ants, contact a professional immediately to discuss a proper course of odorous ant removal.
Odorous House Ant Prevention
Pests such as odorous ants are attracted to moisture. To prevent odorous house ants, eliminate standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes odorous ants use these branches to get into the home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of the foundation. Ensure firewood and building materials are not stored next to the home because odorous house ants like to build nests in stacks of wood.
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