HABITAT
This ant is very opportunistic, living in a variety nesting sites, moving constantly to avoid the perils of inclement weather conditions. Not only will you find huge super colonies, but also many satellite colonies located close to the main colony. They are often located in mulch and under rocks or logs. Indoors, odorous house ants nest in wall and floor voids, and are often associated with humid, enclosed areas such as under toilets.
BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
When crushed, the workers of this species give off an odor which resembles that of rotten coconut, giving them their odd name. Foragers search for dead insects, sweets, meats, and will tend insects for honeydew. Foraging ants strongly follow trails. Colonies can reach large numbers, with over 100,000 individuals. Odorous house ant colonies are polygynous. Workers are monomorphic.
DISTRIBUTION
Throughout the United States