Odorous House Ant

Latin name: Tapinoma sessile

At Ozane Termite & Pest Control in Toms River, New Jersey, we frequently deal with odorous house ants (known as "common ants"). These tiny pests may seem harmless, but their persistent nature and tendency to invade homes in large numbers make them a common nuisance for homeowners. Here's everything you need to know about odorous house ants and how we can help keep them under control.

Identification of Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are tiny, measuring about 1/8 inch long. They range in color from brown to black and are best known for the strong, rotten, coconut-like odor they produce when crushed, which is how they get their name. These ants have unevenly shaped bodies with a single node (a small bump) between their thorax and abdomen, making them distinct from other ant species.

Behavior and Habitat

Odorous house ants are highly adaptable and can live both outdoors and indoors. Outdoors, they nest under stones, logs, mulch, and in the soil. Indoors, they prefer to nest in wall voids, around pipes, under sinks, or near food sources. In Toms River, these ants often seek shelter inside homes, especially during rainy weather or when temperatures fluctuate.

These ants are opportunistic foragers, forming long trails to search for food. They are particularly attracted to sugary substances, such as spilled drinks, fruits, and sweet foods, but they'll also feed on proteins like meat and greasy foods.

Signs of an Odorous House Ant Infestation

Detecting an odorous house ant infestation is relatively straightforward, as they are frequently seen foraging in long trails, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with exposed food. Here are some signs to watch for:

Ant Trails: Odorous house ants form noticeable trails as they move between their nest and food sources. You may see lines of ants on countertops, along walls, or near windows and doors.
Food Contamination: These ants are drawn to sugary and greasy foods. If you notice ants crawling in your pantry or kitchen, they are likely targeting food items left out or spilled.
Rotten Coconut Smell: If you crush one of these ants and notice a strong, unpleasant odor resembling rotten coconut, you're likely dealing with odorous house ants.
Nests in Moist Areas: Inside homes, odorous house ants prefer moist, warm areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and areas near plumbing.

Why Ants Are a Problem

Although most ants are not harmful to humans, they can become a significant nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. They can contaminate food with their bodies and leave a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. Additionally, they are difficult to eliminate due to their ability to establish multiple nests inside and outside the home.

Odorous house ants can also be challenging to control because their colonies are often large and can split into multiple sub-colonies, making targeting the entire infestation challenging at once.

How Ants Enter Homes

Odorous house ants can quickly enter homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around windows and doors, and openings around plumbing or utility lines. Once inside, they'll nest in hidden areas and seek food sources. Because they can move between indoor and outdoor nests, controlling these ants often requires addressing both the inside and outside of your home.

Ozane Termite & Pest Control offers effective seasonal pest control that controls odorous house ants and prevents them from returning year-round.