Odorous House Ant Identification
Tapinoma sessile
The Odorous House Ant is a nuisance pest in commercial food processing facilities and warehouses.
Quick Identification
- Small brown-black ants (2.4–3.3 mm)
- Rotten odor when crushed
- Trails in single-file lines
Where We See It
- Break rooms
- Dock areas
- Wall voids
- Moisture-prone areas
Life Cycle
- Colonies may contain thousands
- Multiple queens common
- Peak activity in warmer months
Why It Matters
- Contaminates food products
- Rapid colony expansion
- Difficult to eliminate without targeting the nest
Monitoring & Control
Baiting is effective. Exclusion and moisture control are critical.
Need Help Identifying This Pest?
FSS stored product entomologists can confirm identification through photo review or laboratory analysis, then recommend a facility-specific plan.