Common Name:
Odorous House Ant
Scientific Name:
Tapinoma sessile
Description:
House ant workers are about the same size, about 1/16″ – 1/8″ (2.4-3.25 mm) long. Body light brown to black. Antenna 11 segmented with a 3 segmented club. One pair of dorsal spines on thorax with 2 node pedicel. Abdomen is heart shaped when viewed from above and sharply pointed at rear. Stinger is present. These odorous ant workers emit a disagreeable odor when disturbed; thus the name. Colony may be composed of several hundred to 100,000 ants with multiple queens in each colony.
Places Most Commonly Found:
Inside: Odorous House Ants in the house usually construct their nests in wall voids, particularly around hot water pipes and heaters. Also nest in crevices around sinks, cupboards, cabinets, etc.
Most Active Period:
Active all year but development more rapid during summer months. Swarmers most active from May to mid July.
Difficulty of Control:
Difficult to control as they will move several times a year and will split the colony when stressed.
