This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smells it gives off when crushed and the fact that they commonly nest in or around houses. Native to the United States, these ants are very social, living in colonies of up to 100,000 members.

Size: 1/16″ to 1/8″
Shape: Segmented, oval
Color: Brown or black
Legs: 6
Wings: Varies
Antenna: Yes

Common Name: Odorous house ant
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Species: Tapinoma sessile

Diet:
Odorous house ants like to eat dead insects and sugary sweets, especially melon.

Habitat:
Typically living for several years, these ants commonly make their homes in exposed soil, under stones, logs, mulch, debris and other items. They will also nest in wall and floor cracks.

Impact:
Odorous house ants do not pose a health threat, but they can contaminate food by leaving waste behind.