What Are Ghost Ants Attracted to in The Villages, FL? How to Get Rid of & Prevent Ant Pests

The ghost ant is a common pest in the United States, particularly in Hawaii and Florida. They are commonly found in the southern and central parts of Florida along with other invasive ant species. In Northern States they can only survive in heated buildings and greenhouses. They do not sting and usually will not bite. If they do happen to bite, it will cause a little discomfort with little or no reaction to the bite. Ghost ants becomes a household pest because they build nests indoors and outdoors. Also, because these ants are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, they are capable of transmitting disease organisms. They can get transported in crates, boxes, potted plans and household goods that are being moved.

Ghost Ants Appearance & Behavior

Ghost ants are a species of ant that have a dark head and with pale or translucent legs and abdomen. This coloring makes this tiny ant seem even smaller. Ghost ants measure only about 1/16 of an inch. Due to their ghostly transparency you can see the color of food they are eating. They will eat honeydew that they collect from plant-feeding insects and will tend aphids to collect the honeydew. The worker ghost ants will collect insects to feed the colony and inside your home they will look for sweets where they will also feed on greasy foods and insects. Pavement ants are highly adaptable nesters. Outside, they make nests in the ground beside logs, stones and firewood piles. They will find their way inside by trailing on utility lines or by following limbs of trees and shrubs that are touching the home. Inside, nests are made behind baseboards, inside wall voids and in potted plants. Several nests may be formed by the colony and you may see them going between more than one nesting site.

How to Get Rid of & Prevent Ghost Ants

Locate colonies where there is a source of moisture and create a “dry zone” around the foundation of your home by pulling mulch to prevent these ants and other insects. Look for areas around your home that may attract ghost ants and keep firewood away from the house. Exterior doors should fit snugly and repair or replace weather stripping. If your home is brick, it’s a good idea to place small pieces of square plastic screen into the weep holes to prevent the ants from using them as entrances.

Ghost Ant Control

Time and patience are required to control ghost ants and multiple nesting sites make the job more difficult. It’s best to leave it to a professional pest control company to take care of the problem. If you’re having problems with ghost ants, contact Pest 911 today.