Ghost Ants: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of Ghost ants? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

Of all the ant types you’ve seen, chances are you’ve never seen a ghost….ant. Specifically, we’re talking about the species tapinoma melanocephalum.

Ghost ants are a very interesting ant species. Read on to learn more about one of the most elusive ant varieties- the ghost ant!

What Do Ghost Ants Look Like?

One of the most interesting things about the appearance of the ghost ant? 

They’re actually very tiny! Just over 1.5 millimeters in length!

The other striking feature of the ghost ant is their pale abdomen.

Their abdomen is a pale almost translucent color, while their heads are a dark color closer to black. 

Ghost Ants In The Home

Most frequently, ghost ants are found in Florida and Hawaii. Less frequently, you may come across ghost ants in the northern U.S. in spaces like greenhouses or even the occasional apartment building. 

Be on the lookout for ghosts. Inside homes, they often nest inside walls, beneath carpeting and other similar voided spaces.

Why is this a concern?

Should I Be Worried About Ghost Ant Damage?

If you’ve got ghost ants, chances are, you’ll be given a fright by what we’re about to tell you. 

Yeah, they’re tiny but in fact, they build massive colonies with thousands of workers and even multiple queen ants. 

That’s right. These tiny ghost ants are real empire builders.

And if you are in a situation where you encounter an infestation, chances are they won’t respond to ant baits.

A Few Best Practices to Prevent Ant Infestations?

• Keep debris off your property — that’s piles of lumber and brick or any type of construction debris that could create safe harbor for ants. 
• Don’t let landscape mulch creep too close to your home’s foundation, and don’t let your sprinkler system moisten your home’s foundation. Keep it dry and clean!
  
• Prune back any trees or shrubs that are planted close to the home.
• Seal crawl spaces, cracks and voids.
• Clean out your gutters regularly.

Should I Contact A Pest Control Specialist For Ghost Ants?

Given the somewhat invasive nature of ghost ants and their resilience against ant baits, it’s best to enlist the help of an experience professional pest control expert who can help you take decisive action. 

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home ghost ant pest inspection as soon as possible!