Identification

Odorous house ants are small, measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. They are dark brown to black with an unevenly shaped thorax. These ants have six legs, a single-node petiole, and lack a stinger. When crushed, they emit a strong, rotten coconut-like odor, which distinguishes them from other ant species.

Lifecycle & Reproduction

Odorous house ants undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Queens lay eggs throughout the year, allowing colonies to grow quickly. Workers live for several months, while queens can survive for years. Colonies contain multiple queens and can split into satellite nests when disturbed.

Habits, Diet & Behavior

These ants are opportunistic foragers, primarily feeding on sugary substances like honeydew from aphids. They also consume proteins, fats, and human food scraps. Odorous house ants establish trails between food sources and their nests, making them persistent indoor pests.

Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations

Odorous house ants nest in a variety of environments, commonly found:

• Inside walls, beneath floors, and near heating ducts
• Under rocks, mulch, and woodpiles outdoors
• Around kitchen counters, sinks, and pantries
• Near moisture sources such as leaky pipes and damp areas
• Within electrical outlets and void spaces in buildings

Threats & Danger

While odorous house ants do not bite or sting, they contaminate food and surfaces. Their ability to establish multiple nests makes them difficult to control. Large infestations can become a major nuisance in homes and businesses.

Prevention

• Seal cracks and crevices around foundations and entry points
• Eliminate food and water sources by keeping surfaces clean and dry
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of trash regularly
• Trim vegetation away from buildings to reduce nesting sites
• Use bait stations to target colonies and disrupt foraging trails

Signs of Infestation

• Small, dark ants trailing along baseboards, walls, and countertops
• Presence of ants near food storage areas and moisture sources
• Musty, rotten coconut-like odor when ants are crushed
• Nesting in warm, damp locations inside and outside structures
• Persistent ant trails leading to food sources

How to Get Rid of It

• Use ant baits with slow-acting insecticides to target the entire colony
• Apply perimeter treatments around entry points and nesting areas
• Clean surfaces regularly to remove food residues and disrupt trails
• Eliminate moisture problems such as leaks and standing water
• Contact professional pest control for severe or recurring infestations

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