Discover

'''Tapinoma sessile''' is a species of ant that goes by the common names 'odorous house ant' and 'coconut ant'.

Contents

Habits

Appearance

Origin of common names

Control

References

Habits

This species is a scavenger/predator ant that will eat most household foods, especially those that contain sugar, and other insects. Indoors they will colonize near heat sources or in insulation. In hot and dry situations, nests have been found in house plants and even in the lids of toilets. Outdoors they tend to colonize under rocks and exposed soil. They can trail extensive distances, usually along landscape edges. Colonies range in size from 100-10,000, and house several queens. They are non-aggressive. Queens lay one egg per day. Typical time to adult phase of development is 34-38 days.

Appearance

They range in color from brown to black and range in length from 1/16 to 1/8 inches ( 1.5 - 3.2 mm). Their antennae have 12 segments and are not terminated with a club.

Origin of common names

The common names "odorous house ant" and "coconut ant" come from the odor the ants produce when crushed, which is very similar to the pungent odor of a coconut.

Control

These ants are not hard to control, and most ant killers will solve problems, especially if controlled as soon as the problem is noticed. At this point, they could be put under control in just a few days. However, the longer someone waits, the larger the population is and the longer it will take to control the situation, possibly a few weeks. Standing water should be eliminated, as odorous house ants are attracted to moisture. Plants should be trimmed back so they cannot be used to get inside. Cracks, holes and joints should be sealed with polyurethane foam or caulk, especially those that are near the ground. Firewood, rocks and other materials should not be stored next to a home because it encourages nest building.

References

National Pest Management Association