How to Get Rid of Ghost Ants in The Villages, FL; Identification, Prevention, Control & More

There are many types of ants in Florida, some more common and more threatening than others. Ants are such a common insect that invade homes and frequently makes off with sugary offerings. In Florida, we have a species that is known as Ghost Ants and they are very hard to see due to their pale color and tiny stature. These ants are more concentrated in Hawaii and central and southern Florida than other parts of the United States. Unless they live in greenhouses or in other heated spaces, these ants cannot live in northern states. We at Pest 911 would like to elaborate on the basics concerning ghost ants.

Ghost Ant Identification

The ghost ants have a dark brown head and thorax along with a pale, yellowish colored abdomen and all six legs. They are unevenly rounded and they thorax doesn’t have a spine. Workers average 1/16” in length. Similar to pharaoh ant, ghost ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits. With numerous and functional queens distributed across multiple nesting sites, colonies of ghost ants are moderate to large in size and can contain thousands of workers. These ants are particularly fond of honey dew. These ants also include both living and dead insects in their diets and when they get inside homes, they enjoy raiding sweet food and typically stick close to the kitchen for more convenient access.

Where Do Ghost Ants Live?

When living in the outdoors, ghost ants nest underground and often prefer the crevices and cavities of dead tree branches as well as under and inside logs, within the fallen leaves and other debris, as well as beneath stones. By trailing from nests along sidewalks, patios and foundation walls, these ants will readily go inside structures.
If they settle indoors, ghost ants will often choose behind baseboards, in wall voids, between cabinets, and inside the soil of potted plants. To remain hidden from view, ghost ants trail along electrical wires or under carpet edges. Additionally, it is not uncommon for ghost ants to be found trailing water sources such as sinks, shower stalls, tubs, potted plants, and so on due to their high moisture needs.

Ghost Ant Prevention

Ghost ants do not have a stinger, and do not sting but they can be an annoyance to homeowners when they nest indoors. When crushed, they will secrete a rotten coconut-like odor similar to the odorous house ant. More often than not, ghost ants wander inside as they trail along trees and shrubs in direct contact with the structure. To prevent their infestations, keep the vegetation trimmed away from the house and ensure to stack any firewood away from the house.

Ant Control

Should you suspect a ghost ant infestation, due to their colony sizes and structure, it can be a challenge to eliminate them from your home. Call Pest 911 for help. We can destroy the ant infestation that has taken up residency in your home. Also, our skilled experts can help prevent these ants and other pest infestations with preventative routinely scheduled pest control services. Call us today to schedule your pest management services.