Thief Ants
Active Seasons
Appearance and Size Facts
- Thief ants are yellow to light brown in color with very small eyes
- Possess a small stinger which is visible with the naked eye
- They get their common name from the fact they steal food from other ant species that live in close proximity
- Size: 1/32 inch long
- Often nest close to other ant species
- Prefer food that is high in protein
Behavior and Habitat of Thief Ants
Thief ant colonies are relatively small and contain a few hundred to several thousand workers with many queens. They commonly nest close to other species of ants. They forage in set trails much like Pharaoh ants. Thief ants nest outdoors under stones or logs. They also often nest near larger ants, from which they steal food and young larvae. Once inside your home, they occasionally build nests in walls or in the foundation. Thief ants prefer meat, grease, seeds, or dead insects, but not sweet foods, unlike most other ants.
Signs of Infestation of Thief Ants
Thief ants nest in rotting wood and soil. They may also nest indoors in small spaces, including wall crevices, cabinet voids, under countertops and behind baseboards, including many spaces where other ant species would not be able to reach due to their small size.
Tips for Prevention of Thief Ants
Keep food items secured and pet food off of the floors. Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed 2 foot from the home. Caulk any visible cracks around windows and doors.
Thief Ant Gallery
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
What Silverfish Are, Where They Come From, & How to Get Rid of Them
Jan 06, 2022—Bug Database, West Palm Beach, Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
If you have seen small silver insects that exhibit almost fish-like movement around your home, you may be wondering how to get rid of silverfish. Most of us remember the first time we saw these distinctive creepy crawlies scurrying around. When these prehistoric-looking insects show up in your...
Read More ›
Rodent Exclusion: How to Find Rat & Mice Entry Points
Dec 23, 2021—Rodents, Tips & Control Advice, Rodents
If you see rats or mice in your home, you will want to use a professional pest control company to trap the interior, bait the exterior, and complete a rodent exclusion on your home to prevent rodent entry as soon as possible. The telltale signs of a rodent infestation can send shivers down your...
Read More ›
How to Get Rid of Ghost Ants (Little White Ants in Florida)
Dec 08, 2021—Bug Database, Ants, Pest Control
Want to know how to get rid of ghost ants in South Florida? If you have little white ants or clear ants crawling around your kitchen, you probably have ghost ants. These adaptable white ants in Florida are a common household invader that homeowners struggle to eliminate on their own. With the right...
Read More ›
