Sugar Ants vs. Ghost Ants: What’s Crawling in Your Kitchen This Winter?

When cooler weather arrives in South Florida, even slightly, homeowners often start seeing small ants trailing across countertops, around sinks, and inside pantries. Most people call them “sugar ants,” but in Florida this term is just a nickname—much like the word “gnat”—and is used to describe any ant feeding on sweets inside the home.

However, the ants most people are actually seeing are ghost ants, one of the most common kitchen invaders in South Florida. In other cases, homeowners may be referring to white-footed ants, another species that feeds on sugary foods and commonly enters kitchens. Knowing which ant is invading helps explain why infestations keep coming back—and why professional treatment is essential.

Why Ants Invade South Florida Kitchens During Winter

Even mild seasonal changes push ants indoors. Cooler temperatures drive them to:

• Seek warmth
• Find reliable moisture sources
• Look for sugar-heavy foods
• Build new subcolonies in protected indoor spaces

Kitchens provide everything these ants need, which is why winter is one of the most active times for indoor ant infestations.

Sugar Ants in Florida: Appearance and Behavior

Because “sugar ant” is not a true species in Florida, homeowners use the phrase to describe any ant trailing to sweet foods. When someone says they have “sugar ants,” they usually mean ghost ants or white-footed ants.

Both species:

• Feed heavily on sweets
• Follow pheromone trails to quickly recruit more workers
• Can contaminate pantry items, countertops, and food prep areas

“Sugar ant” is simply a general nickname—not an official identification.

Ghost Ants in Florida: How to Spot These Tiny Invaders

Ghost ants are the most common kitchen ant in the region. They are named for their almost transparent abdomen, legs, and antennae, which makes only their dark head and thorax easy to see. Their tiny size and pale body give the impression of a “floating” head—hence the ghostly nickname.

Ghost ants:

• Are extremely small and hard to see
• Enter through the tiniest cracks and gaps
• Form multiple subcolonies both indoors and outdoors
• Prefer sweet foods and respond well to high-quality professional baits.

They thrive in moisture-rich areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, wall voids, and around plumbing.

Ghost Ants vs. Sugar Ants: Key Differences for Homeowners

Since “sugar ants” is a general term in South Florida, many homeowners don’t realize that:

• The ants they call sugar ants are often ghost ants
• In other cases, they may be white-footed ants
• White-footed ants are medium-sized, black, and have pale-colored feet
• Ghost ants are tiny with translucent legs and abdomen

Both species are attracted to sugar, but ghost ants are much smaller and more difficult to detect. White-footed ants, on the other hand, are more visible but can form massive colonies, making infestations equally frustrating.

Why These Ants Are Drawn to Kitchens and Food Sources

Sugar-feeding ants are attracted to:

• Soda and juice residue
• Sticky spills on counters
• Sweets and baked goods
• Fruit left out
• Unsealed pantry items
• Pet food

Even a tiny drop of sugary liquid can support hundreds of ants. Once they find a food source, they lay scent trails and recruit more workers, allowing colonies to expand rapidly.

How to Prevent Ants in Kitchen South Florida Homes

Homeowners can reduce ant activity by:

• Cleaning counters after each meal
• Storing pantry items in airtight packaging
• Fixing plumbing leaks
• Avoiding leaving dishes out overnight
• Sealing cracks and gaps around baseboards and windows
• Taking out the trash regularly
• Wiping spills immediately

These steps help slow activity, but they rarely eliminate ghost ants or white-footed ants completely because both species maintain multiple nesting sites.

Stop Recurring Infestations with Hulett’s Expert Ant Control

Ghost ants and white-footed ants are notoriously difficult to eliminate with store-bought products. Effective control requires:

• Professional-grade sweet baits these species actually prefer
• Non-repellent treatments that spread throughout the colony
• Perimeter protection to stop new ants from entering
• Ongoing service to maintain a consistent barrier

Hulett’s trained technicians understand the biology and habits of both species, ensuring long-lasting control—and helping homeowners avoid ruined groceries, contaminated kitchens, and constant ant trails during the holidays.

For dependable, year-round ant prevention, just call Hulett. A free inspection and quote for a customized plan will stop ghost ants, “sugar ants,” and white-footed ants from taking over your home this winter.