Feature | Details |
Biological Name | Solenopsis molesta |
Common Name | Thief Ant (also known as Grease Ant) |
Actual Size | Approximately 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) |
Color | Pale yellow to light brown |
Legs | 6 |
Antennae | 10 segments; clubbed at tip |
Wings | Only reproductive swarmers (queens and males) |
Colony Size | Thousands to hundreds of thousands, often with multiple queens |
Habitat | Soil, under rocks, rotting wood, wall voids, behind baseboards |
Indoor Nesting | Common in kitchens, pantries, near plumbing or inside wall voids |
Nesting Traits | Hidden nests; often near or inside other ant colonies they raid |
Movement Pattern | Fast-moving, narrow trails, often hidden |
Diet Preferences | Protein-rich foods (meat, oil, dairy), dead insects, and rodents |
Distinctive Signs | Tiny ants near outlets, pet bowls, grease traps; increased activity after rain |
DIY Resistance | High, store-bought baits are often ignored, sprays may worsen spread |
Threat Level | Moderate, don’t bite, but contaminate food and spread bacteria |
Thief Ants in Florida (General Description)
Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta), sometimes called grease ants, are among the tiniest but most troublesome ants in Florida. At just 1/32 of an inch, they’re easily mistaken for sugar or pharaoh ants.
But what sets them apart is their sneaky habit of raiding other ant colonies, stealing food, eggs, and larvae, which is how they earned their name.
Where Thief Ants Nest and Forage
These ants thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate and remain active throughout the year, especially following rainfall. Outdoors, they nest under rocks, in soil, or beneath logs.
Indoors, they tuck themselves into hard-to-reach areas like wall voids, baseboards, and around plumbing. Their preference for greasy, high-protein food sources means they’re often found near kitchens, pantries, or even sealed food packaging.
How to Identify Thief Ant Infestation Indoors
Because of their tiny size and fast movement, thief ants are hard to detect. They travel in narrow, faint trails, usually along outlets, baseboards, plumbing lines, or beneath appliances.
Most indoor infestations begin around food-rich zones like pet dishes, kitchen counters, or sinks. If you spot small ants near food, especially after rain, it may indicate a deeper, more established colony.
Why Thief Ants Are Hard to Control
Thief ant infestations are easy to misidentify and difficult to eliminate.
These ants forage on dead insects, grease, and even decomposing rodents, potentially spreading bacteria throughout your home. Over-the-counter ant baits and sprays designed for other species often fail or worsen the problem.
Accurate identification is critical for selecting the right treatment and preventing long-term infestation.
Common Behaviors, Patterns, and Precautions Around Children, Pets, and Homeowners
Thief ants are elusive but persistent, building colonies in wall voids, behind baseboards, and under home foundations. Their movements are rapid and often overlooked, narrow trails forming near sinks, grease spots, pet bowls, or plumbing. Rain often drives them indoors, increasing visibility in kitchens and laundry areas.
Though they don’t bite or sting, they can carry pathogens from decaying matter and pose contamination risks to food, especially around infants and pets.
Precautionary Tips:
Wipe down grease-prone areas daily, especially around stoves and pet feeding zones
Keep dry pet food in sealed containers
Inspect for entry points around windows, plumbing, and wiring
Avoid using spray repellents that scatter ants and worsen infestations
Choose low-toxicity, protein-based baits if DIY is attempted
For homes with children or pets, professional treatment ensures safety and thorough colony elimination, without risking exposure to ineffective or unsafe chemicals.
DIY Tips, Precautions, and When It’s Time to Call the Pros
Taking on thief ants with DIY methods can be frustrating.
Their colonies are often hidden deep in walls or under floors, and unlike more common ants, they won’t take sugary bait. Worse, using repellent sprays may scatter the colony, causing them to split and spread. Even if you seal visible cracks or clean daily, thief ants can bypass your efforts using plumbing lines or electrical voids.
If you try to manage them on your own, focus on sanitation and baiting with the right food source. Protein- or grease-based baits work best. Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers and watch for trails near sinks or appliances.
Call in a professional if:
Ants reappear quickly after treatment
Multiple rooms show signs of activity
DIY bait is ignored
Ants appear near baby or pet areas
Professional pest control eliminates the source, and prevents future invasions.
If thief ants are turning your home into a battleground, don’t wait for the problem to spread. Hoffer Pest Solutions offers safe, and proven ant treatments that target the colony at its core, bringing you real peace of mind.
Call today and reclaim your space.