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REGIONAL PEST REPORT

Winter season

Pest threat

Mice are moving inside and other wildlife may be looking for potential harbourage areas. Cluster flies have hibernated in attics and wall voids. As the temperature fluctuates keep your eyes and ears open for the signs and sounds of unwanted pests this winter. Carpenter ant activity may be seen in the home where moisture is found on a warmer day.

 

Stay alert

Get more info on local pests

Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta)

Thief Ant

Identification

  • Is often confused with the Pharaoh ant
  • Queens are approximately 6 to 7 mm in length; workers average 1.3 to 1.8 mm
  • Is yellow to light-brown in colour
  • Has 10-segmented antennae, with 2-segmented clubs
  • Thorax is unevenly rounded
  • Is two-noded (i.e. 2 segments attach the abdomen to the thorax)
  • Has a very small stinger

Habitat and Behaviour

  • Will forage along natural borders, both horizontally and vertically
  • Nesting sites indoors include any small crack/crevice within wood or masonry
  • Nesting sites outdoors vary greatly and include a number of concealed areas such as under rocks, woods, logs, etc.
  • Use utility lines as pathways
  • Is a generalist feeder, but prefers foods high in protein

Lifecycle

  • Exhibits complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
  • Colonies contain multiple queens
  • Swarms (of reproductives) occur from early summer to late fall
  • Development time, from egg to adult, is dependent on temperature and can range anywhere from 50 days to several months