Thief ants are more
difficult to manage with baits than other ants; insecticide
treatments may be necessary.
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Managing thief ants with baits
- Protein baits are somewhat effective if changed often
enough; however, they are not as effective as for other
ant species.Thief ants do not often feed on baits long
enough to bring them back to the colony for effective control.
- Products containing hydramethylnon and fipronil may be
most effective.
- Offer small portions of each bait to see which one is
preferred before employing an extensive baiting program.
- Place baits outdoors; indoor baiting may attract more
ants into the home.
- Be sure to place baits in protected locations away from
children and pets.
- Follow up regularly to make sure bait is working and
place fresh bait as necessary.
How baits work
- Worker ants will be attracted to the bait and take it
back to the nest where the entire colony, including queens,
may be killed.
- Bait must be slow-acting so workers won't be killed before
they get back to the nest.
- Results may not be evident for several weeks.
- Killing workers does little to control the colony, because
as few as 1% of a colony's foraging worker ants are able
to provide sufficient food to support nestbound queens
and larvae.
- Bait stations or ant stakes are easiest to use and safest
for the environment.
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