This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny insects range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.

Odorous house ants eat a wide variety of foodstuffs, such as meat, cooked vegetables, dairy products, fruit juices, and pastries. They have become a major nuisance pest by infesting houses. Each colony may contain two or more queens and over 10,000 workers. The queens of an odorous ant colony can produce thousands of workers and hundreds of reproductives. The reproductives are the future queens. Control can be difficult.

In addition to using chemical control, keep the home free of food debris, exposed stored food, or pet food. Keep counter tops and appliances free of grease or anything these ants might feed upon. These steps will help discourage indoor foraging.