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Ghost Ant
Characteristics –
Size: Tiny, usually less than 1/16-inch in length.
Color: Pale, with a dark head and abdomen.
These ants are very difficult to see unless one looks closely.
Behavior – Ghost ants may develop huge colonies containing
thousands of workers and numerous queens. This species may be difficult to
control and does not feed much on ant baits. The keys to control are to
find the colonies and subcolonies and treat them directly. Regular
inspections and treatment are necessary to find and treat new colonies as
they move from neighboring properties.
Habitat – Ghost Ants are now a major pest throughout most of Florida
and several of the Hawaiian Islands. It occasionally is found in
apartments and greenhouses in northern states. These ants nest outdoors
under items on the ground, within landscape mulch, beneath loose bark on
trees, under ground cover, in potted plants, and within piles of items
such as lumber, firewood, or bricks. Nests may be readily established
inside homes in walls, beneath carpeting, and in other suitable voids or
spaces.
Tips for Control – Ghost Ants are difficult to control and
ant baits may not be effective against it. The keys to control are to find
the colonies and subcolonies and treat them directly with residual
insecticide. Where the colonies cannot be found, baits may be attempted;
however, several baits may be required before positive results are seen.
Regular inspections and treatment are necessary to find and treat new
colonies as they move in from neighboring properties.
Suggested Control Products
Advance Carpenter Ant
Bait
Terro Ant Killer
Borid
Demand CS
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