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Close up of a cluster of Ghost Ants- Ant control services with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Ghost Ant

Actual Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm

Characteristics: Small with a unique color contrast — their heads and thoraxes are dark while their abdomens are pale, creating an almost translucent effect.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: None

Habitat: Ghost ants cleverly make their homes indoors within tight crevices, including spaces between books, cabinetry, wall voids, and even under baseboards. They’re also known to settle in moist areas such as potted plants.

Habits:

  • Commonly referred to as black-headed ants.
  • These ants are known for their rapid and erratic movements, which can often be mistaken for small spiders.
  • Similar to odorous house ants, ghost ants emit a distinctive smell similar to rotten coconut when disturbed.


Ghost Ants in Central Arkansas

Ghost ants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions but have adapted to various climates, often seeking refuge in human dwellings in Central Arkansas. These ants form moderately large colonies that range from 100 to 1,000 members, often with multiple queens. They are commonly spotted in moisture-rich areas like kitchens and bathrooms, scavenging for sweets and greasy residues.

Ghost Ant Habitat

Outdoors, ghost ants build nests in moist environments such as soil beneath leaf litter, rotten wood, and within plant cavities. They often infiltrate homes through small openings around windows, doors, and other entry points, establishing nests in unusual indoor locations like shower curtain rods and the hollow frames of pool enclosures.

Ghost Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While ghost ants do not pose serious threats as they do not sting, they can bite if provoked. However, their presence can be particularly troublesome, especially when they form trails across different rooms or invade kitchen spaces. In addition to sweets, these ants are attracted to greasy foods and are known to farm homopterans for honeydew, a sugary secretion. This diet helps them sustain their colonies both indoors and outdoors. Due to their need for moisture, ghost ants are frequently found trailing to wet areas such as bathtubs and sinks.

If you suspect a ghost ant infestation, it is best to consult a licensed ant exterminator.