Editor’s Note: The following article was adapted from Techletter, with permission from Pinto & Associates.
The ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) is one of a growing number of exotic insects emerging as pests in the United States and Canada. Tropical in origin, this ant is now a major pest in Florida and Hawaii, in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. It's also a pest in coastal areas of Texas. In these warm locations, the ghost ant infests both indoors and outdoors.
Biology and Dispersal
The ghost ant is considered a "tramp" ant, an ant with the proven ability to hitchhike around the globe. Colonies are transported in commercial shipments of house plants, fresh produce, and cut flowers. People also unknowingly carry ghost ants home in luggage, clothing, and all kinds of household goods, including laptop computers!
Ghost Ants, Part II, will discuss how to inspect for ghost ants and will provide recommendations for their control.
The authors are co-owners of Pinto & Associates.
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