About Odorous House Ant
The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) earns its name from the rotten-coconut smell it releases when crushed — a reliable identification clue. Colonies are polygyne (multiple queens) and resilient: when disturbed, they fragment and establish satellite nests rapidly, making conventional spray treatments counterproductive. Workers are 1.5–3.2 mm, dark brown, and strongly attracted to sweets and moisture. They trail along pipes and electrical cables, appear after rain displaces outdoor colonies, and can nest inside wall voids, under flooring, and inside insulation.
Geographic Distribution
This insect is found across Africa, with notable populations in Egypt and surrounding regions.
Management
If you suspect a Odorous House Ant problem, consult our recommended exterminator services or browse our full pest species database for related species and control guidance.