Identification Ghost Ants Florida

Ghost ants sugar ants pharaoh ants twig ants white footed ants velvet ants cow killer ants below is a guide to the various species of ants in florida how you can identify them whether or not they bite and information on controlling them naturally or organically.

Identification ghost ants florida. Ghost ants and how to control them in florida. Dark brown with small stingers. The most commonly encountered pest ants are pharaoh white footed argentine ghost pyramid carpenter rover native fire imported fire crazy thief caribbean. As moisture seeking ants ghost ants usually nest outdoors under stones logs firewood or in potted plants.

Signs of a ghost ant infestation. Controlling ghost ants. Ghost ants have a dark colored head and colorless abdomen. They are easily transported in boxes crates potted plants and even in household goods that are being shipped.

Behavior diet habits. The key to the majority of eradication of ghost ants is repeatedly applying high density highly attractive baits laced with toxicants. They prefer sweets and dead insects. Ghost ants can be found in the summer fall and spring months.

The length of ghost ants is usually 1 16 of an inch. They have a see through abdomen and legs which seem to vanish while foraging on light surfaces. Earliest traces of ghost ants were found in 1887 in hawaii us and washington dc in 1894. In florida a common household invader is the ghost ant.

According to a survey conducted with florida structural pest control employees the ghost ant is one of the most common household ants in florida. In general the most common ants can be grouped as house infesting ants yard infesting ants and carpenter ants. Of course i am talking about ghost ants. Several species of ants are found in or around houses in florida.

Indoors they build colonies behind baseboards in wall voids cabinets etc. 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. Ghost ants are tropical ants that have been in south and central florida for several years. Sightings of small ghost ant workers is the usual sign of their presence.

Ghost ants often enter homes by trailing along branches of trees and shrubs in direct contact with the structure. The first step would be looking for indoor and outdoor nesting spots. However there are some effective steps you can take to make sure ghost ants don t get past the front door. Ghost ants are named for their translucent or ghost like appearance.

These pests invade our structures occupy our homes and are prolific breeders. The ants take them back to the nest and distribute it to all colony members and the queens.