Identifying characteristics

• Workers are all the same size, small, 1/8-inch long
• Dark brown to shiny black
• Petiole with 1 node, hidden by abdomen
• Thorax uneven in shape when viewed from side
• Very strong odor when crushed

Behavior

• Feed on both dead and living insects, favoring aphid and scale honeydew
• In homes, forage primarily for sweets
• Travel in both wandering patterns and set trails
• Trails common along branches of trees, foundations, sidewalks, baseboards, and edges of carpets
• When disturbed, become erratic with their abdomens raised in the air

Nest type and size

• Live in shallow nests in soil under stones, wood, or debris
• May nest in various habitats including wooded areas, beaches, wall voids, and around water pipes and heaters
• Large colonies, with up to 10,000 workers and many queen