Thief ants are most attracted to sweet baits.

Thief ants, known scientifically as Solenopsis molesta, have specific dietary preferences that influence their attraction to different types of baits. While many ant species do show a strong preference for sweet substances, thief ants primarily seek out high-protein foods rather than sweet baits. Their diet typically includes proteins, fats, and other organic matter rather than sugary items, which aligns with their natural foraging behavior.

When considering pest management strategies, understanding the feeding habits of different ant species is crucial for selecting the most effective baits. Therefore, using sweet baits may not yield effective results when dealing with thief ants since such bait does not align with their primary nutritional needs. Instead, targeting them with protein-rich baits or other foods more suitable to their preferences would likely be more effective in controlling their populations.