Thief Ant Identification
Resources to help you identify thief ants found in Nebraska.
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Thief Ant (also called "Grease Ant") Identification (Two Node Ant)
Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta)
Solenopsis molesta
Description of Workers: Tiny, around 1/32-inch to 1/16-inch (1-1.5 mm); yellowish; often confused with Pharoah ant, but has 2 segments in the club-like structure at the end of the antenna (Pharoah ant has 3 segments).
Habits:
Thief ants often live in association with other ants as a predator of their brood. These ants are omnivorous and prefer grease or high protein foods over sweets. This is a frequent house-invading ant and may nest indoors in cracks and cupboards. Thief ants are more likely to have an indoor nest than the Pharoah ant.
Management:
Treat with an appropriate product based on the location of the ants. Baits are not effective.
View Thief Ant Photos - UNL Department of Entomology
The information on this Web site is valid for residents of southeastern Nebraska. It may or may not apply in your area. If you live outside southeastern Nebraska, visit your local Extension office
Credits:
- Ant illustrations were developed by Vicki Jedlicka, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County
- Photo Courtesy of http://www.antweb.org. Photographer: April Nobile
For information on reproducing this resource or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)
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