Vespula pennsylvanica / maculiforna / germanica / vulgaris / squamosa and DolichovespulaThe dog days of summer…fresh water melon, ice cream, p
06.06.2023 - 20:39 / gardenerspath.com / Helga George
Controlling Thief Ants in Your House and Yard Solenopsis molestaThief ants, Solenopsis molesta, certainly live up to their name. They are tiny, less than 1/32 inch long, and tend to locate their nests next to those of other ant species.
This makes it convenient for them to steal food and larvae to feed the members of their own colony.
These particular pests are one of the smallest species of ant around the world that commonly infest houses.
Their tiny size makes them formidable opponents. It enables them to sneak into packaged foods, and hide almost undetectably in crevices in your home.
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Outside, these ants feed on dead insects and rodents, which can transmit diseases to humans.
These insects can be difficult to control, but we will give you some tips on how to battle these tiny, persistent pests.
How to Distinguish Thief Ants from Pharaoh AntsS. molesta are frequently confused with the dreaded pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis, but telling them apart is relatively straightforward.
Both insects are yellow to brown in color, but pharaoh ants are much larger.
The features of their antennae are major distinguishing factors. Those of thief ants have 10 segments and end with an unusually large club that has two segments.
In contrast, the antennae of M. pharaonis have 12 segments and end with a three-segmented club.
The waists of S. molesta have two nodes, while the thorax lacks spines.
If you are disinclined to inspect them too closely, the trails hold another clue. Thief ant trails are well-defined, while pharaohs only make trails once they have discovered food or water.
ColoniesEspecially common on the East Coast of the
Vespula pennsylvanica / maculiforna / germanica / vulgaris / squamosa and DolichovespulaThe dog days of summer…fresh water melon, ice cream, p
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