Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta)

Extremely Small • Steals Food from Other Colonies • Hard to Identify

Thief Ant – Connecticut Identification & Behavior Guide

The thief ant, also called the “grease ant,” is one of the smallest ants in Connecticut. They get their name from nesting near other colonies and stealing food — including larvae. Indoors, they are drawn to oily, high-protein foods.

Identification:

• Size: 1/32–1/16 inch (VERY tiny)
• Color: Yellow to tan
• Body: Smooth and shiny
• Behavior: Difficult to track because of small size

Often mistaken for pharaoh ants.

Behavior & Habitat:

Common nesting areas:

• Soil outdoors
• Under rocks
• Near other ant colonies
• Inside wall voids
• Under baseboards

They prefer protein-based foods over sugar.

Why They Appear in Connecticut Homes:

They enter through extremely small gaps in search of:

• Grease
• Meat scraps
• Pet food
• Dead insects

Activity peaks May through September.

Signs of Infestation:

• Tiny ants around stoves
• Activity near trash cans
• Ants near pet food bowls
• Trails too small to see without close inspection

When to Call a Professional:

Due to their tiny size and complex nesting, baiting by a professional is most effective.

Ant Control CT 

Additional Links:

• Pharaoh Ant Page 
• General Pest Control