Size: 1.5 mm
Colour: Translucent legs, pedicel, gaster, and antennae; black head and thorax

Description:

Ghost ants, commonly referred to as black-headed ants, are tiny yet highly adaptable pests that thrive in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. Named for their nearly transparent legs and abdomen, these ants are difficult to spot against light surfaces. Ghost ants measure roughly 1.5 to 2 millimetres in length. They are characterized by their light colouration, with a dark head and thorax and a pale or yellowish abdomen. Their 12-segmented antennae end in a distinctive club. These ants thrive in diverse environments, including urban, suburban, and indoor spaces. They prefer moist habitats like soil, leaf litter, and mulch, and are particularly attracted to sweet substances such as honeydew and nectar.

Ghost Ants: Identification, Behavior, and Control Strategies

Ghost ants, sometimes called sugar ants, are a persistent household nuisance, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where they are drawn to sugary foods. Effective management of a ghost ant infestation requires prompt action. Here’s what you need to know about these pests and how to control them.

Identifying Ghost Ants

Ghost ants are quite small, ranging from 1.5 to 2 millimetres in length. Their bodies are pale and nearly translucent, with contrasting dark heads and abdomens, making them hard to detect. Identifying ghost ants often involves observing their behaviour. They often establish trails leading to and from their food sources, which are usually sweet or sugary substances. These trails appear as lines of ants traversing walls, countertops, or floors.

Behaviour and Habits

As social insects, ghost ants live in large colonies that can number in the thousands, with multiple queens responsible for reproduction. They are notorious for their rapid infestation capabilities, making them challenging to control. Ghost ants favour moist environments, often nesting behind baseboards, in wall voids, or within potted plants. Outdoors, they can be found in soil, mulch, or debris.

Controlling Ghost Ants

Effective ghost ant control combines prevention and treatment. Consider the following strategies:

1. Maintain Cleanliness and Dryness: Ghost ants are attracted to moisture. Resolve any leaks or standing water in your home promptly, and ensure that countertops and floors are kept clean and free of food debris.
2. Proper Food Storage: Store sweet and sugary foods in airtight containers, and refrain from leaving food uncovered on countertops.
3. Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls with caulk or weatherstripping to effectively prevent ants from entering your home.
4. Utilize Ant Baits: Ant baits containing slow-acting poison can effectively control ghost ants. The ants carry the bait back to their colony, ultimately eradicating the infestation.
5. Consult a Professional Pest Control Service: For severe infestations, seeking professional assistance is often essential. Pest control experts can accurately diagnose the root cause of the issue and deliver targeted treatment solutions to effectively address the problem.

At Get ‘Em Out Wildlife Control, our team of wildlife and pest control specialists is ready to assist throughout Ottawa and the surrounding areas, including Gatineau, Brockville, Cornwall, Russell, Arnprior, Kingston, Embrun, Carleton, Kanata, Kemptville, Nepean, Orleans, Barrhaven, Clarence-Rockland, Goulbourn, Cumberland, Greely, Stittsville, Carp, and Almonte.

Summary Of Ghost Ants:

Although ghost ants are small, they can quickly escalate into a significant problem if not addressed. By implementing preventative measures and utilizing effective control methods, you can manage these troublesome pests and keep them out of your home. If you are facing a ghost ant infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional help. We’re here to assist you.