Odorous House Ant

The odorous house ant eared its name from the rotten butter or coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These are tiny dark brown to black ants that range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long.

Pest Description:

• Color: Dark brown to black
• Legs: 6
• Shape: Segmented; oval
• Size: 1/16" - 1/8"
• Antennae: Elbowed with 12-segmented antenna with no club
• Region: Found throughout U.S.
• Habits: Odorous house ants travel in trails and prefer sweets but will eat almost any household food. They are known invade structures, moving their nests in response to rainy periods when honeydew has been washed off plants.
• Habitat: Outside, odorous ants can be found under stones, under firewood and within nests of larger ants. Once indoors, odorous house ants nest near moisture sources, hot water pipers, water heaters, in cabinets, beneath leaky fixtures and inside wood damaged by termites.
• Threats: Odorous house ants are not a health threat, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. 

If you notice signs of odorous house ants, call immediately to schedule a professional inspection of your property and discuss protection options.