Ghost Ants

What do ghost ants look like?

Ghost ants are tiny—only about 1/16 of an inch long. They have dark brown to black heads, while their bodies and legs are pale and somewhat translucent. This unique coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, making them tricky to spot. But when they invade in large numbers, there’s no mistaking them.

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Why are they called “ghost” ants?

The name comes from their pale, almost see-through bodies, which can make them look like floating heads as they scurry across surfaces. Their ability to appear suddenly in unexpected places only adds to their eerie reputation.
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What do ghost ants eat?

Ghost ants aren’t particular but strongly prefer sweets and greasy foods. Inside homes, they’re drawn to sugar, syrup, fruit juice, honey, and even grease buildup in kitchens. Outdoors they feed on nectar, honeydew from plant-feeding insects, and other insects—dead or alive. They'll likely stick around if they find a steady food source in your home.
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Are ghost ants dangerous?

While they might bite if handled, their bites are harmless. The main concern is that they crawl through unsanitary areas and can transfer germs onto food, dishes, and countertops, potentially causing stomach issues.
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What attracts ghost ants?

Like most pests, ghost ants seek food, water, and shelter. Here’s what might be drawing them to your home:

• Flowering plants
• Aphids and scales (plant-damaging pests) produce honeydew that ghost ants love.
• Leftover sweet or greasy foods in the garbage can attract them.
• Outdoor lights
• Overgrown vegetation
• Organic debris
   

How do ghost ants get inside?

Thanks to their tiny size, ghost ants can slip through nearly any gap. Common entry points include:

• Worn-out weatherstripping and door sweeps
• Cracks in window or door frames
• Damaged screens
• Gaps around pipes, wires, and vents
• Foundation cracks and decaying wood
• Items brought inside from the yard, like potted plants and outdoor toys
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Where do ghost ants nest?

Ghost ants prefer to nest in soil under rocks, foundations, wood debris, and leaf piles outdoors. Indoors, they hide in wall voids, ceilings, and floors. Because they have multiple queens and their colonies “bud” into smaller nests when disturbed, they can quickly spread throughout a home.
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How can you get rid of ghost ants?

Reach out to Big Time Pest Control at the first sign of ant activity in or around your home. Our local pest control pros offer accurate identification and effective pest treatments that exterminate ants in our region. For ongoing protection, we recommend signing up for a home pest control plan that includes regular service and our satisfaction guarantee! 
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How can I prevent ghost ants?

To reduce the chances of an infestation:

• Remove weeds from your lawn and landscape.
• Control plant-damaging insects to eliminate honeydew food sources.
• Keep up with yard work to remove potential nesting sites.
• Keep trash bins clean and sealed.
• Trim vegetation away from your home to eliminate easy access points.
• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your home’s exterior.
• Maintain a clean home, especially in the kitchen.
• Fix leaks to eliminate water sources.