Size
1/32”-1/8”
Color
Yellow to brown
Description
Tiny and light in color, Thief Ants are known for nesting close to other ant species for the purpose of stealing their food. They are opportunistic nesters, finding shelter nearly anywhere outdoors or inside buildings. Their nests will be large, with tunnels leading to other ant colony nests. They will even move in with another ant colony, eating that colony’s food and even their eggs and larvae.
Thief ants will travel far from their nest to find food and leave a scent trail from their food sources to their nesting sites. Because of their small size, Thief ants can easily invade homes without detection. They can chew into sealed packaging in pantries with holes so small they may go unnoticed. They have a penchant for grease and have also been called “Grease Ants”.
Control Advice
Seal outside cracks to home and keep food preparation areas clean. Thief ants resist insecticides and ant traps. Follow their trail back to their nest site and eliminate the nest.
Active Seasons
Thief ants are most active in spring, summer and fall.