Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile
Learn about odorous house ants and how to identify them. If you live in or around New York City and need ant control, MMPC is here to help.
About this species
Odorous house ants are highly adaptable and can nest in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, they often nest under rocks, logs, or debris. Indoors, they may nest in wall voids, near heat sources, or in potted plants.
They are known for their large colonies, which can contain thousands of workers and multiple queens. This makes them challenging to control, as the colony can easily split and relocate if disturbed.
Identification
Size:
Small, about 1/8 inch long.
Color:
Dark brown to black
Key ID Features:
- Gaster (abdomen) overhangs and hides the petiole node (the waist).
- When crushed, they emit a distinct odor reminiscent of rotten coconuts or blue cheese.
- Workers are all the same size (monomorphic).
Photos
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