PestDex Details
Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile
crawler
Small ant that trails indoors year-round. Smells like coconut when crushed.
How to Identify
- •Dark brown to black, 1/16–⅛ inch
- •Distinct coconut or rotten coconut smell when crushed
- •Trails in long lines to food
- •Multiple queens per colony
Where Found
Nests under mulch, stones, and siding. Trails indoors for sweets and moisture. Common in all MD/VA/DC suburbs — Alexandria, Rockville, Arlington kitchens in spring.
Seasonality
Peak activity spring and fall. Forages indoors year-round if heated.
Health & Property Risk
Nuisance. Contaminates food but no structural damage or health threat.
Prevention Tips
- •Seal cracks around windows and doors
- •Wipe up spills and crumbs
- •Store food in sealed containers
- •Move mulch 6 inches away from foundation
- •Fix leaky faucets
Treatment Notes
Non-repellent spray and gel bait. Colonies can split (bud) if pressured with wrong treatment. Perimeter barrier helps but nests must be targeted.