Odorous House Ant

Typically found in nests under rocks, logs, or mulch outdoors, but often enters human dwellings to forage or seek shelter during rainy weather.

Opportunistic omnivores that prefer sweets (nectar/honeydew) but will also consume grease, meat, and dead insects.

They are known for traveling in distinct foraging trails; if crushed, they emit a pungent, rotten coconut-like odor. They form multi-queen colonies and are very resilient.

They do not bite or sting and pose no health risk, but they are considered a major nuisance pest when they contaminate stored food in kitchens. They provide ecosystem benefits as scavengers and decomposers.