Odorous House Ant
Odorous house ants are small ants about 1/8th inch
long and dark brown in color. They are found throughout
the U.S. and in spite of their name, are only an
occasional pest in the house. Their name comes from
the disagreeable odor similar to the smell of rotten
coconuts that is given off when the worker ants
are crushed.
Odorous house ants commonly nest outdoors in the
soil under stones, logs, mulch, debris and other
items. They will also nest indoors in wall and floor
voids, particularly in moist or warm areas. If only
a few workers (wingless ants) are observed in the
house it is an indication that they are nesting
outdoors and entering the house in search of food.
If winged swarmers are found indoors, or if workers
are consistently seen in great abundance, it likely
indicates they are nesting within the house.
Odorous house ants regularly forage for food along
well-traveled trails. This ant is very opportunistic,
living a variety nesting sites, moving constantly
to avoid the perils of inclimate weather conditions.
Not only will you find huge super colonies, but
many satellite colonies located close to the main
colony. These different colonies do not fight for
food, but rather like to exchange food, workers
and larvae between the different colony units. Odorous
House Ants feed on living and dead insects but are
particular fond of the sweet honey dew produced
by aphids, scales and mealybugs. If found inside
structures, these ants will eat many available foods
but again prefer to feed on sweets. These ants will
forage during the day and the night.
The size of colonies, number of workers, wide variety
of food sources and multiple queens per colony make
this a formidable foe to eradicate.
Control of odorous house ants should begin with
an attempt to locate the origin of the ants. Careful
and frequent observation may be necessary to develop
an opinion about the source. Ants entering from
outdoors can be discouraged by sealing as many cracks
and gaps in exterior walls as possible.
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