The Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile) is dark brown to black and typically measures ⅛ inch. The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) is one of the most common household ant pests in the United States, including Arizona. Workers are small, dark brown to black, and move in rapid, erratic trail.

The Odorous House Ant is generally low-risk, but caution is still advised. No sting; not medically dangerous. Contaminates food. Budding behavior means improper treatment (repellent sprays) can spread the infestation to new areas of the home.

In Arizona, odorous house ants are most often encountered in the following situations: Trails of small dark ants in kitchens, bathrooms, and along baseboards. Rotten-coconut smell when ants are crushed. Nests in wall voids, under sinks, or in moist areas.

The Odorous House Ant is most active during: Year-round indoors; most active spring through fall outdoors. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.

Seal entry points. Fix moisture leaks. Store food in sealed containers. Avoid using repellent sprays that cause colony budding.

Slow-acting non-repellent bait placed along active trails. Avoid repellent insecticides which cause budding. Professional service recommended for wall-void infestations.

Most store-bought ant sprays kill only the workers you see, while the queen and colony remain protected underground. Effective Odorous House Ant control requires baiting or targeted colony treatments that workers carry back to the nest. Pest Control Bros uses professional-grade products and application methods that address the entire colony.