Ghost Ants
Active Seasons




Appearance and Size Facts
- Ghost ants have a dark head and thorax, with a pale abdomen and legs
- Not usually visible with the naked eye, especially when the ants are on a dark colored surface
- Size: Less than 1/16 inch long
- Commonly referred to as "sugar ants" due to their food preference
- Often nest in areas of moisture
Behavior and Habitat of Ghost Ants
Ghost ants have the habit of running rapidly and erratically around when disturbed. They will trail in a line, and can often be seen carrying their offspring to a new nesting location. They are small enough to enter homes through the tiniest holes in caulking, or cracks in foundations. Once inside your home, they can be seen in kitchens and bathrooms trailing to and from the sinks (searching for moisture). Ghost ants prefer to feed on honeydew and other insects, but once inside they will eat anything sweet (hence the commonly referred to name of sugar ant). The Ghost ant is a nuisance ant that is common in central and southern South Florida. Known as a "tramp" ant, it easily nests in or under potted plants and other moist areas. It is particularly fond of nesting inside the aluminum supports around screen porches. Once inside your home, it will nest in wall voids or spaces between cabinetry and baseboards. Nests contain multiple queens and multiple subcolonies.

Signs of Infestation of Ghost Ants
Sightings of small ghost ant workers is the usual sign of their presence. The ghost ant's primary habitat is outdoors so look for them in soil, in debris in tree trunks, dead tree limbs, under and inside logs, in and under firewood, and under stones. For indoor infestations, colonies will be located inside walls, in boxes, behind wallpaper, between sheets, towels, folded clothing, in waterbeds, and virtually any other dark protected site.

Tips for Prevention of Ghost Ants
Keep food items secured and pet food off of the floors. Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed 2 foot from the home. Caulk any visible cracks around windows and doors.

Ghost Ant Gallery



Latest Pest & Termite Control News

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination
Mar 09, 2023—Florida Termites
Here in Palm Beach County and our northern neighbors in the Treasure Coast, including subterranean termite prevention and control as a part of your general home maintenance plan is essential. This is especially true in West Palm Beach, which was named in the “Top 10 Worst Termite...
Read More ›
New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home
Dec 19, 2022—Rodents, Pest Control, Rodents
A new year means new pests are trying to call your South Florida house their home. This year, along with new year’s resolutions to improve your health, finances, attitude, and whatever other things you want to change in your life, make this year the year you keep your South Florida home...
Read More ›
Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter
Dec 08, 2022—Florida Lawn Care
Living in South Florida means rodents, ants, and other pests don't take the winters off! Meanwhile, your lawn needs less watering and mowing during the winter months and is susceptible to various diseases such as brown patch fungus. Your lawn in winter While we’re outdoors, let’s talk...
Read More ›