Florida Ghost Ants

They are a tropical ant but can be found in greenhouses in the northern states.

Florida ghost ants. It is easy for ghost ants and other small insects to gain access to homes and buildings through tiny cracks or gaps in the foundation most often around doors and windows. The key to the majority of eradication of ghost ants is repeatedly applying high density highly attractive baits laced with toxicants. Signs of a ghost ant infestation. The ghost ant has traveled the world through trade and commerce ultimately landing in the state of florida as well as other warm weather states like texas and hawaii.

Controlling ghost ants. Heavy rains have given a rise to one of the most problematic pests homeowners in central florida have had to fight for quite some time. Of course i am talking about ghost ants. Ghost ant control before implementing the following steps please verify the ant species by reading our ghost ants.

Ghost ants are pesky little insects who got their name by looking much like tiny white apparitions who suddenly appear and seem to disappear just as quickly. Having originated in either africa or asia the ghost ant or tapinoma melanocephalum has been spotted all around the globe from puerto rico to the caribbean and even in canada. Ghost ants and how to control them in florida. Look for their trails and nests both inside and outside.

Field populations were confined to south florida although active colonies had been reported as far north as gainesville in alachua county bloomcamp and bieman personal. The ghost ant is a tropical species found mainly in south and central florida. They readily eat honeydew honeydew excreting insects both alive and dead. How to get rid of ghost ants.

They are easily transported in boxes crates potted plants and even in household goods that are being shipped. The ghost ant tapinoma melanocephalum fabricius was considered a nuisance ant that was occasionally important as a house pest within florida as late as 1988. The first step would be looking for indoor and outdoor nesting spots. Behavior diet habits.

Ghost ants are tropical ants that have been in south and central florida for several years. Ant trails and inspection. These pests invade our structures occupy our homes and are prolific breeders. Ghost ants will commonly eat both sweets and grease protein sources.

Ghost ants often enter homes by trailing along branches of trees and shrubs in direct contact with the structure. Gainesville florida homeowners may be haunted by more than the usual ghouls and goblins this time of year as ghost ants show up in kitchens in search of a sweet treat. The ants take them back to the nest and distribute it to all colony members and the queens. To prevent a ghost ant infestation homeowners should keep shrubbery trimmed ensure branches are cut back leaf litter and debris is removed and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.