Odorous house ants, Tapinoma sessile, are small, dark brown to nearly black ants, typically measuring about 1/8 inch long. A distinctive identifying trait is their single, flattened node (waist) that remains hidden beneath the abdomen, giving them a smooth, “waistless” appearance when viewed from above. When crushed, these ants emit a strong, unpleasant odor often described as rotten coconut or blue cheese. They form large, persistent colonies and are among the most common household ant invaders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
These ants prefer sweet foods such as sugars, honeydew, fruit juices, and syrups, but they will also scavenge proteins and greasy substances. They commonly nest outdoors in moist soil, mulch beds, under rocks, logs, or along building foundations. Indoors, they seek shelter in wall voids, under cabinets, behind baseboards, and near plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms. Odorous house ants enter homes through tiny cracks and crevices in search of food and moisture, often creating long, visible trails along countertops and cabinet edges.
Colonial Pest Control provides effective, long-term control of odorous house ants through exterior perimeter sprays and strategic interior baiting—both included in our Gold and Platinum Plans. Our technicians create a protective barrier around your home while using baits that worker ants carry back to the colony, eliminating the nest at its source. For reliable protection against odorous house ants and other pests, contact Colonial Pest Control today to schedule service under a Gold or Platinum Plan or to request a free inspection.