If you’re from the south, you’re used to ants. In your houses, invading picnics, probably at least one or two nests in your schools. But one ant species is unique among southern pests. It’s an invasive species that’s so hard to see but it’s named after a specter. Today, let’s touch on the enigmatic ghost ant, and some signs on whether or not you’ll need help from a Ghost Ant Exterminator for your Florida home.
Ghost Ant Exterminator: What are the small, clear ants in my Florida home?
The first thing you have to do for any pest infestation that you want to treat is identification. So, let’s get into really knowing what the humble ghost ant is. To begin with, Ghost ants are relatively easier to identify thanks to a few of their traits. However, these traits make them extremely hard to spot in the first place. Ghost ants are one of the smallest species of ants you’ll find in the Sunshine State. Workers of this species usually only grow about a millimeter in length. Sometimes, they’ll get slightly larger than that, but they all remain well short of even half an inch long.
The head and thorax of this ant is dark brown to black in coloration. However, the abdomen is milky white, and their appendages are translucent and see-through. This is how they got their name, as these ants a simple white, black, or brown background are very difficult to spot. They have twelve segmented antennae that thicken towards the tip but are usually much too small to really notice by the naked eye.
Ghost ants are sometimes referred to as black-headed ants or Florida Ghost ants. They are a significant ant in Florida due to the temperate climate and are prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. They have a dark head and light body. You can see them on kitchen/bathroom sinks, floors, and counters. They can nest inside in wall voids, between and behind cabinets. They have a distinctive coconut-like odor when they are crushed.
Ghost ant behavior
Ghost ants are a unique species behaviorally. Unlike the much dreaded fire ants, these ants will run quickly and erratically when disturbed. But when marching in columns, they’re slow and deliberate like most other species. These ants leave pheromonal trails as they go, a signal to other members of their species of a path to follow towards food or shelter.
Ghost ants have a sweet tooth that’s stronger than most other ant species. This pest is known for mostly eating honeydew. However, they won’t turn their nose up at insects or other meaty meals. In homes, however, they prefer sugary treats. This includes things like sticky spilled soda or sweet foods and fruits left out on the counters.
Moisture is a heavy attractor of this ant, with leaky pipes under sinks being a favorite place for them to build their nests. Ghost ants nest in moist, humid environments. And when they enter your home, they can be a real problem. That’s because these ants constantly create new queens to send out scouting for more colony locations. And once that colony is established, ghost ants will form a larger mega-colony between the two. It doesn’t take much for this pest to infest your home and have you running for the Ghost ant exterminator with thousands of ants in your walls!
Wall voids, shower curtain rods, bread boxes, and potted plants are all favorable areas for these ants to create nests. If they can fit, they can colonize it!
Ghost Ant Exterminator: Signs of ghost ant infestation
When it comes to ghost ants, there really isn’t a massive amount of telltale things to look out for. Instead, it’s mostly basic ant behavior that you should be looking out for. Things like trails.
Trails of ants are going to be your number one sign of an ant infestation in your home. If you see a single ant wandering erratically with no real pattern to its movement, there’s less of a chance that the ant can signal an infestation. However, if you see a full column of ghost ants marching towards your kitchen, that’s a pretty good sign of a true pest control issue. Debris can be another sign, but it can be hard to look out for small pieces of frass or dirt debris near openings. these ants are sneaky and hard to see. ‘
Uniquely, the smell can tip you off to a ghost ant infestation. Ghost ants emit a sweet, musty odor that’s often compared to the smell of coconuts.
Ghost Ant Exterminator: How do I keep ghost ants out of my Florida home?
Ant control is simple and formulaic. Once you have a true infestation, there’s really not a lot you can do. Chemical controls can help, but these fast-breeding insects will take advantage of any improper application and can even develop mild resistance to improperly used poisons. Not to mention the risk that may be put on your home.
Instead, look to keeping a clean and tidy house. Food scraps and water spills are god sends for ants. And it really does not take much for you to have a problem big enough that you’ll need help from a Ghost Ant exterminator. So make sure all of your food is properly secured in the fridge or a food safe container. And get a trashcan with a locking lid that you take out regularly. Trash cans and dirty sinks are the two biggest drives of ant traffic into most homes.
Some people have success with natural repellents like vinegar. However, if you’re truly suspicious of ghost ants being in your home, visit us at insectfree.com. From there, either call the listed number or fill out our pop up form on the home page. Let Earth’s Best Pest Control show you why we’ve been in business for three decades in central Florida!
