Thief ants are tiny—so small that you might not even notice them, at least not at first. They measure about 1/16 of an inch and have smooth, shiny bodies that range from yellow to light brown. Unlike some ants with visible segmentation, their waist is barely noticeable, making them appear more streamlined.
These ants got their name because they often steal food and larvae from other ant colonies. They establish nests close to other ant species and use tiny tunnels to raid their neighbors’ food supply. Think of them as tiny burglars creeping unnoticed, always looking for their next meal.
Thief ants have a diverse diet and will eat just about anything they can find. They love greasy, protein-rich foods like meat, cheese, and peanut butter, but they’ll also go for sweets, dead insects, and even other ants’ eggs. If they get into your pantry, they’ll happily feast on crumbs, fats, and sugary spills.
Thief ants don’t sting and are not aggressive toward humans, but they pose a risk. Since they feed on dead animals and sometimes even sewage, they can carry bacteria into your home. If they get into your pantry, they can contaminate your food. So, while they’re not directly harmful, they’re definitely not houseguests you want sticking around.
The biggest issue with thief ants is food contamination. Because they crawl through dirty areas and invade your kitchen afterward, they can spread bacteria to your food, countertops, and cabinets. They’re also tough to control since their tiny size allows them to slip through the smallest cracks and hide in places you wouldn’t expect.
Thief ants prefer to nest in hidden, well-protected areas. Outside, they’ll burrow into soil, rotten wood, or under rocks. Inside, they hide in wall voids, behind baseboards, under floors, and even inside cabinet crevices. Their nests are small and hard to find, which makes them tricky to eliminate once they move in.
Food and moisture are the biggest draws for thief ants. If you leave out greasy foods, crumbs, or sugary spills, they’ll find their way to it. They’re also drawn to damp areas, so leaks under sinks or in walls can make your home even more inviting. They'll keep coming back once they find a reliable food source.
Their size makes it easy for thief ants to sneak through the smallest cracks and gaps. They slip through window frames, doorways, and even tiny openings around pipes or wiring. If you bring in groceries, boxes, or secondhand furniture, they could hitch a ride inside without you realizing it.
If you suspect a thief ant problem in your home or business, contact Four Seasons Pest Control for help. Our local pest control company offers effective solutions for a variety of ants, other insects, and rodents. Our year-round home pest control plans are the ideal way to keep your home free of thief ants and other pests, and we also offer comprehensive pest management for businesses across a wide range of industries.
To prevent thief ants from infesting your property, we recommend implementing the following suggestions:
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