Ants

Odorous house ants: identification & odorous house ant control

Also known as: sugar ants, stink ants, coconut ants

Odorous house ants form huge multi-queen colonies that split when sprayed. We bait trails, treat harborage under slabs and mulch, and remove the moisture and sugar sources that keep them coming back to kitchens and bathrooms.

Line of black ants marching on a kitchen counter

How to identify odorous house ants

What it looks like: Small dark brown to black ants with an uneven thorax and a hidden waist node.
Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch
Where you'll find it: Under sinks, in wall voids, beneath mulch, stones and potted plants.
Commonly confused with: Pavement ants have parallel head grooves and prefer sidewalk cracks.

Signs of odorous house ants in your home

Fast-moving trails on counters
Rotten-coconut smell when crushed
Ants around honey, syrup and pet food

Odorous house ants questions homeowners ask

What are the tiny black ants in my kitchen?

Most often odorous house ants — crush one and check for a coconut or blue-cheese odor to confirm.

Why did spraying make more ants appear?

Repellent sprays cause budding, where the colony splits into new nests. Baiting is the correct approach.

Odorous house ant control by city

Local technicians handle odorous house ants in every market below — pick your city for neighborhood coverage, seasonal notes and a free quote.

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