Thief Ants

Habitat: 

• Under rocks, in rotting wood, or in exposed soil
• Inside, in woodwork and masonry

Habits:

• Prefer greasy or sweet foods
• Often steal larvae and food from neighboring any colonies

Due to their coloring, Thief Ants are often mistaken for Pharoah Ants, though they have different behaviors and body characteristics. They get their name from the habit of stealing food and larvae from neighboring ant colonies, though they are also called Grease Ants due to their preference for feeding on greasy foods such as potato chips.

Thief Ant Habitat

Thief Ant colonies tend to be small, and they nest in a variety of places outdoors such as under rocks, in rotting wood or in exposed soil. They will nest next to a larger ant colony in order to steal food and prey on the larvae. Indoors, Thief Ants can be found in masonry or woodwork, entering the home through cracks in the foundation or small openings in woodwork. They will forage in trails looking for greasy foods, dairy products, and proteins and are often found in kitchens. 

Thief Ant Behaviors and Dangers

The major threat that Thief Ants pose to homeowners is their ability to carry disease-producing organisms, contaminating food sources in a home. They can bite, but they rarely do, and it is not painful. Thief Ants will forage in well-defined trails, often on walls, baseboards, and between wall voids on electrical wires.

What to do if you have a Thief Ant infestation

Call The Bug Man and Queen Bee. Our friendly office staff will give you an estimate over the phone and get you scheduled as soon as possible, sometimes the next day! On the day of your appointment our experts will come to your home and do a full inspection, both inside and out, to determine where the Thief Ants are the biggest issue and eliminate the problem using a combination of techniques designed to rid you of the infestation and prevent another from occurring. As a local and family-owned business, we take great pride in meeting, and exceeding, our customers’ expectations. Call or email today for your free estimate!