The Short Answer: They’re Annoying, Not Dangerous
Sugar ants don’t bite, and they don’t destroy your home like carpenter ants or termites. What they do is invade your kitchen and bathroom looking for food and water. They emit a strange smell when crushed, which is where they get the name odorous house ants. They pose no real health or structural threats, just frustration.
Sugar Ant Description
Size
The sugar ant is very small—measuring about 2.4-3.3mm long. They are typically about as small as a pencil eraser. Although they are small, they quickly become noticeable as they swarm around food or stream through your home in a line.
Color
Sugar ants are typically black in color.
Smell
This might sound strange, but when crushed, sugar ants release an unpleasant, coconut-smelling odor. Sugar ants have a gland that releases this smell and it’s why they are called the odorous house ant.
