Thief Ant

Thief ants are tiny, sneaky pests known for nesting near other ant colonies and stealing their food and larvae.

Speak with an Expert
Thief Ant

What do these Ants look like?

These ants are one of the smallest species, measuring just 1–1.5 mm in length, with a pale yellow to light brown body and small, distinct eyes.

Thief Ant

Quick information about Thief Ant

  • USUALLY FOUND IN: Homes, kitchens, pantries, wall voids, and near other ant colonies
  • FEEDS ON: Grease, proteins, sweets, dead insects, and even other ants’ larvae
  • BITES/STINGS: Does not sting; rarely bites, but too small to cause harm
  • SIZE/COLOR: 1-1.5 mm in length; pale yellow to light brown
  • SEASON: Active year-round, especially indoors in warm environments
  • TREATABLE AT HOME: Difficult to eliminate due to hidden nests; professional treatment is recommended

Information About Thief Ant

Thief ants get their name from their unique behavior of nesting near larger ant colonies and stealing their food and developing larvae. They are one of the smallest household ant species, allowing them to enter homes through extremely tiny cracks and invade food storage areas. Because of their small size, they are often mistaken for Pharaoh ants, but they have different nesting habits and diet preferences.

These ants are particularly attracted to greasy and protein-rich foods, making kitchens and pantries their primary target. They also feed on sweets, household scraps, and even dead insects, which helps them survive in a variety of environments. Since they nest in wall voids, cracks, and under floors, infestations can be difficult to detect until they become widespread.

Although thief ants do not sting and rarely bite, they can pose a health risk by contaminating food with bacteria. Their tiny size makes traditional pest control methods like sprays ineffective, as they can easily relocate and rebuild their colonies in hidden areas.

For effective elimination, professional pest control is essential. Avayda Pest Control specializes in targeted baiting treatments designed to reach hidden nests and eliminate the entire colony. Our proven methods ensure long-term protection against thief ants, keeping your home pest-free.

Everyone deserves a pest-free home.

At Avayda, we know that you want a pest free home, regardless of the time of year. In order to do that, you need the right team and products to help remove invaders and keep them out for good. The problem is you’ve tried to solve it yourself, or you don’t have the time, and they keep coming back. Ultimately, you’re afraid they’ll never go away.

Everyone deserves a pest-free home. And we understand that your home has to be safe for you and your family. Free from any kind of insect, pest, or unwanted guest. We’ve helped create pest-free homes for 10,000+ customers, and we’re ready to help. We offer year-round pest services with safe products for the whole family and a guarantee that they’ll be out of your house for good.

Speak with an Expert
pest free home from garden spider