Thief Ant - Photo courtesy of Antweb.org

Thief Ant (also called "Grease Ant") (Solenopsis molesta)

Thief Ant
Thief Ants (Solenopsis molesta)

Thief Ant
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

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This resource was updated November 2015 by Soni Cochran, Extension Associate

  • Credits: Ant illustrations were developed by Vicki Jedlicka, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
  • Photo Courtesy of http://www.antweb.org. Photographer: April Nobile

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