The grease ant (Solenopsis molesta), also called the thief ant, is a very common insect in homes across much of the U.S.—especially in kitchens. It is considerably smaller than some other common ants, at only 1/32 to 1/20 inch long.

Where can Thief ants be found?

Thief ants nest in rotting wood and soil. They may also nest indoors in small spaces, including wall crevices, cabinet voids, under countertops and behind baseboards.

Are thief ants harmful?

Are thief ants dangerous? Thief ants cannot bite or sting, but they do pose some risk when they introduce diseases into your home or contaminate your food. Thief ants' small size makes infiltrating food packaging a real concern. As they infest food packaging, they will often contaminate large quantities.