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Odorous House Ant

Odorous House Ant

Tapinoma sessile

A species of Tapinoma, Also known as Stink Ant, American sugar ant

The odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile) is an ant known for home invasions. It has earned the unfortunate nickname "stink ant" due to it releasing a smell when crushed. While a colony begins with one queen, it can evolve into many queens and thousands of workers. This makes them difficult to remove from homes.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Odorous House Ant
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Attributes of Odorous House Ant
Biting/stinging
The Odorous House Ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Odorous House Ant is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Odorous House Ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Odorous House Ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Appearance of Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile is a small ant that ranges in color from brown to black, and varies in length from 1.5 - 3 mm. The gaster portion of the abdomen sits directly on top of the petiole in the abdomen of this species. This leads to a very small petiole and to the gaster being pointed downward. The anal pore then opens ventrally (toward the abdomen) instead of distally. Their antennae have 12 segments.
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How to Identify Odorous House Ant?

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Life Cycle of Odorous House Ant
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the life cycle where the odorous House Ant is a tiny, typically oval-shaped egg, barely visible to the naked eye. Color and exact shape vary, but eggs are generally white or pale.
Larva As larvae, odorous House Ant appear worm-like, lacking distinct limbs and eyes. They are voracious eaters, which is essential for growth. Their size increases significantly, sometimes molting several times.
Pupal During the pupal stage, odorous House Ant undergoes transformation within a cocoon-like structure. It’s immobile and vulnerable, with its color and structure changing internally as it develops wings, legs, and antennae.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult odorous House Ant’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. Already capable of independent movement, the focus shifts to reproduction and, for some, colony support.
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Adult Size of Odorous House Ant
1.5 - 3 mm
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Predators of Odorous House Ant Larvae
Birds, spiders, some species of ants, beetles, wasps
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Predators of Adult Odorous House Ant
Birds, spiders, other ant species, mammals like anteaters and tamanduas, amphibians like frogs and toads, reptiles such as lizards
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Interesting Facts About Odorous House Ant
Though tiny, odorous House Ants are capable of leaving pheromone trails for others to follow, often leading to satellite colonies interconnected by these invisible paths.
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Scientific Classification of Odorous House Ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Odorous House Ant
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How Can You Attract Odorous House Ant
The food bait traps should include sugary substances or proteins to attract odorous House Ant, as they are known to have a diverse diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Odorous House Ant Through Different Life Stages
The growth and development stages of odorous House Ant occur in distinct locations. Eggs are typically tucked away in the protected confines of a nest, which can be found under rocks, logs, or within soil. Larvae reside within these same nests but are located in the nursery chambers where they are tended to and fed by workers. Pupae, similarly, are kept within the nest, often in slightly drier and warmer chambers compared to larvae. If searching for these stages, one should carefully inspect such nesting sites. Adult odorous House Ant, foragers, can be found trailing along pheromone-marked paths which frequently lead to food sources. These trails can be outdoors, traveling among vegetation, or inside structures scavenging for sweets and proteins.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Odorous House Ant
The best time to find odorous House Ant is during warmer months as they are more active in seeking food and building their colonies.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Odorous House Ant
Dry and warm weather is ideal for locating odorous House Ant as they prefer to forage and are less likely to be inside their nests.
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How and Where Can You Find Odorous House Ant at Different Life Stages
Adult Mature queen odorous House Ant are usually found during the nuptial flight season. Look for them on the ground or on vegetation during warm, humid evenings.
Worker odorous House Ant can be seen trailing to food sources. Identify their trails and follow them back to the nest location during the day.
Larva Odorous House Ant larvae are hidden inside the nest. To view them, one must carefully and non-disruptively excavate the nest or observe captive colonies.
Egg Eggs of odorous House Ant are found within the nest, often in the deeper chambers. Observation is typically done through non-invasive methods such as nest cameras or glass-walled captive nests.
Are Odorous House Ant harmful?
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Odorous House Ant frequently goes inside to seek food and pollute the food. Odorous House Ant can secrete colored excretions that smell bad and can leave stains on the surface of furniture.

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Where do Odorous House Ant come from?

Be attracted by food. Ants will be attracted by food at home and falling food scraps without being cleaned in time.
Be attracted by house materials. The old wooden structure easily attracts ants to build nests.
Move into houses for refuge. In extreme weather (such as heavy rain), outdoor ants will also hide in nearby houses in advance to take refuge.
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What is the most effective prevention against Odorous House Ant?

Water is a necessity for ants. Here are some tips for precaution:
  • Turn off the faucet.
  • Check the water pipes in your home and courtyard for leaks. If there is water leakage, repair and replace the pipes in time.
  • Dry stagnant water in the kitchen, bathroom, and sink.
  • Clear the water container in the courtyard.
  • Dredge the drains outside the house.
These tips are especially important in dry weather. They can not only prevent ants from living but also help us save water.
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Close the channel. Ants are tiny insects that can enter the house through any gap. Thus it is advised to seal the entrances of doors, windows, pipes, and wires. Even if the gap has been fixed in the past, it still should be checked frequently whether appears the new gap.
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Block food sources. Seal exposed food and store it in a way that insects cannot reach. Clean up food scraps that have fallen in the courtyard of your home. To suck away tiny food debris, clean the floor and carpet with vacuum cleaners. Such tips can effectively avoid living of household pests, including ants.
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Prepare before a rainstorm. Before the rainstorm, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of vegetable oils with diatomaceous earth or cinnamon powder around the house. Due to the fixing effect of the oil, the diatomaceous earth or cinnamon powder will not be blown away by the strong wind. With the intention of moving into the house, ants will pass by the oils. At this time, ants will be dispelled by the smell of cinnamon or cut through the body by diatomaceous earth to die.
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How to get rid of Odorous House Ant?

Use chalk. Chalk scratches can interfere with odor signals and prevent ants from making any progress. This method is not effective for a long period for the reason that the traces of chalk will gradually disappear and ants will explore new paths.
Use fiery vinegar. Dropping vinegar on the path that ants climbed can also confuse them and make them unable to find the right way.
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Use white vinegar. White vinegar can be boiled to fumigate the entire house. It is also advised to clean the tableware and kitchen with a mixture of white vinegar and water at 1:1, which can not only reduce the invasion of ants but also effectively remove some stains. This method is safe and non-toxic.
Use mint. Ants don't like the taste of mint. It is recommended to plant mint around the door and in front of the window, which is pleasant and can repel many insects. Using diluted mint essential oil to drive away ants at home.
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Use other odors that are nasty to ants. You can sprinkle coffee grounds, citrus peel debris, chili powder, and cinnamon powder around the house to prevent ants from entering. Use chili powder with caution, especially when you have children or pets at home. They may have discomfort when exposed to irritating chili powder.
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Buy and use ant bait. If there are a large number of ants, it is necessary to try the ant bait sold in stores. Put the ant food near the gathering point of ants, such as under the kitchen counter or under the window sill. This tip can gradually reduce the number of ants. Pay attention to moisture-proof storage. Spray it to the dried place to avoid losing its effectiveness. During this period, avoid cleaning the path that ants pass.
Use pesticides. If you can find the exact location of the ant nest, it is advised to expose the ant nest and use pesticides.
Harmful Effects of Odorous House Ant
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Toxic to Animals
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Toxic to Animals

Odorous House Ant typically uses its sting to deliver a mild toxin, mainly in defense. When humans or pets such as dogs and cats suffer a sting, they often experience localized pain and swelling. Different animals may exhibit varying reactions to the sting, with most showing signs of discomfort. Some birds may also be adversely affected if they come into contact with the sting, especially if they are small or have a high sensitivity to toxins.

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Nuisance Pests

Odorous House Ant are pervasive invaders, often entering homes in search of sugary foods. Their presence can range from an inconvenient nuisance to a severe disturbance, largely due to their tendency to infest in large numbers.

More Effects of Odorous House Ant

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