What’s that smell? Tapinoma sessile! Or the common name “Odorous House Ant.” Also known as the stink ant or coconut ant, the odorous house ant is named from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These ants really enjoy honeydew, and other sweet treats.

Indoors, they are likely to nest near moisture sources, such as beneath leaky fixtures in bathrooms, under kitchen or bathroom sinks, in wall voids near hot water pipes, and also in wood damaged by termites.

Outside, they may be found in exposed soil or under stacks of firewood or other materials.
If you suspect an infestation of Odorous House Ants, call us at BugMaster! How to identify odorous house ants:

Odorous house ants — also known as stink ants or coconut ants — are among the most frustrating household pests in Kelowna because their colonies can split and relocate when disturbed, meaning DIY spraying often scatters the problem rather than solving it. Colonies can contain thousands of workers and multiple queens, making over-the-counter products largely ineffective for sustained control. BugMaster uses a targeted baiting approach that worker ants carry back to the colony — eliminating the source rather than just the visible foragers. We also identify and address the moisture conditions that attract odorous ants, such as leaking pipes, condensation under sinks, and wet wood around windows and doors.