They often have well-defined trails. Thief ants can be confused for Pharaoh ants and identification is very important before pest management steps are taken. They have a tendency to curl up when they die. Greasy Foods, such as meats, cheese and peanut butter, and dead and live insects. They can nest indoors in small spaces, such as under countertops, in wall voids, cabinet voids, behind baseboards.
Nests are often difficult to find.
Thief ants are especially common during mid- to late summer when they enter homes from outside nests. Locating and treating nests is not practical. Treat the building perimeter when thief ants are foraging into buildings from outside nests. When nests are indoors, baiting is the most effective control method. When the nest is under a heated slab foundation, swarms can occur at other times of the year, including winter.