Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Thief Ant	Solenopsis Molesta	Insecta	Hymenoptera	Formicidae

	Size:
	Workers are tiny, measuring about 1/16 inch long.
	Color:
	Depending on species, body color ranges from brown to pale yellow.
	Where Found:
	Throughout the United States. Commonly found indoors.
	Habitat:
	Derives name from ability to enter nests of other ants and steal and feed on their larvae. Outdoors: Nests are found in exposed soil, under rocks, or in rotting wood. Indoors: Nests found in woodwork and masonry. They travel throughout structures through electric conduits.
	Food:
	They prefer foods high in protein content and feed on meats, breads, fruit, animal fats, oils, nuts, and dairy products, but will readily feed on sweets. Outside they will look for almost anything organic including insects, honeydew (they tend plantlice, mealybugs and scale insects), seeds and germinating seeds.
	Biology:
	A colony may have only a few hundred workers but many queens. Nests are located in very small cavities, under debris or objects on soil or behind wall paneling or loose floor molding, and within wall voids or cabinets. Mating flights take place in late July to early Fall. Some mated females may return to the nest after the nuptial flight. Generally confused with Pharaoh Ants because of similar size and color. They may be distinguished by having only two enlarged club segments at the end of antenna while Pharaoh Ants have three enlarged segments.
	Damage:
	Nuisance pest, damage seeds, and contaminate sweets. May be carriers of disease-producing organisms to food. May be an intermediate host for poultry tape worms.
	Control:
	This species of ant closely resembles the Pharaoh Ant. It will take a professional to identify it and that is important due to the treatment precautions listed. (Please see Pharaoh ant control section listed in this web-site). After this ant species has been identified, proper treatment can be made. Locating the nest is an important control step. Liquid or gel bait formulations are generally used to control this pest. When inspecting for this ant outside, take note and eliminate insects that provide protein and honeydew sources, such as Aphids. Locate and treat nests directly if possible. If using baits, locate control measures near foraging trails of ants. Check food areas, pet dishes, and dishwasher or trash compactors for ant trails. Areas of moisture are good areas to inspect and treat if necessary. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.