All About Thief Ants

Thief ants are very common in Virginia. They are a small, household-invading pest.

What Do Thief Ants Look Like?

Thief ants are really small. They only grow to be 1/16 of an inch long, which is about the thickness of a standard credit card. They range from cream or light yellow to tan. The queen (pictured above) and the reproductive males have wings, but the worker ants are wingless.

Where Do Thief Ants Live?

Thief ants, also sometimes called grease ants, are often found in places they can steal food (thus their name). That means you're likely to find them in kitchens, bathrooms, and small spaces inside household walls. Outside, they will hide in soil and under rocks, stealing food from other ant nests.

Are Thief Ants Harmful?

Thief ants rarely bite, but they are really good at contaminating food. Thief ants are so small, they are easily able to sneak into packaged foods, pantries, and trash cans. They are drawn to grease, fats and proteins. As they steal their food, they often leave contaminants behind.

How Can I Prevent Thief Ants?

Keeping your food in airtight containers is the first step. Second, make sure all spills are cleaned up, dirty dishes not left out (even in the sink), and trash moved out regularly. Try to seal up cracks and other entry points around your home.

What If I Already Have Thief Ants In My Home?

Thief ant nests can be difficult to locate, so it would be wise to contact a professional pest control company. Correctly applied pesticide is extremely effective on thief ants. Ant baits are another good method for beginning to correct an ant issue. Place the baits near the location you most commonly find the ants.

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For more information on local Virginia pests, read our pest library and other blog posts