Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)
I. Identification
- 1/16-1/8" long
II. Nesting Habits
- Nest in soil under stones, logs, patios, debris piles and plant cavities
III. Feeding Habits
- Workers follow trails along baseboards, carpet edges, foundations, sidewalks and tree branches
IV. Controls
- Locate and treat nests
- Single small node hidden by abdomen
- Uniform brown to black in color
- Odor of rotten coconut when crushed
- Indoors nest in wall voids, under floors, around heaters and hot water pipes, behind baseboards, cabinets and window sills
- Colonies can be large with multiple queens
- Swarm from May to mid-July
- Feeds on sweets (honeydew excretions from ahpids), seeds, grease, oil and other insects
- May move indoors when honeydew supplies are low or during rains
- Treat ant trails directly
- Exterior perimeter application for barrier
- Interior crack and crevice treatment in areas of activity
- Baits are not recommended for control
- Remove debris and store firewood off the ground
- Locate and seal entry points
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