Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile
Small dark brown to black ants that emit a rotten-coconut smell when crushed and nest in large, fast-moving colonies.
Identification
Odorous house ants are about 1/8 inch long, dark brown to black, with an uneven thorax profile and no visible node between the thorax and abdomen.
Odorous House Ant is a type of ant. See the full ants guide for signs, treatment, and prevention.
Known species and subtypes
- Carpenter AntCamponotus spp.
Large black or reddish-black ants that excavate wood to build nests, causing structural damage over time.
- Pavement AntTetramorium immigrans
Small dark brown ants that nest under sidewalks, driveways, and slab foundations and often forage indoors for food.
- Fire AntSolenopsis invicta
Reddish-brown ants that build large soil mounds and deliver a painful, burning sting when their nest is disturbed.
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