Ghost Ants, Part II

Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted with permission from Pinto & Associates.

In the last issue we discussed the biology and habits of the ghost ant (Tapinoma mela-nocephalum), an "exotic" insect emerging as a pest in the United States. Here we address inspection and control.

In tropical and subtropical climates (such as Florida), the ghost ant usually forages inside from outdoor nests in hollow cavities in branches, at the base of palm fronds, in plant stems, clumps of dried grass, in bromeliads, under bark, in logs, under flagstones, and in flower pots. In the north, the largest infestations have been found in large indoor tropical-style plantscapes, such as those found in some malls and hotels. But they have also been found infesting apartments and homes, very much like Pharaoh ants.

Ghost ants can often be found trailing on kitchen counters, along baseboards, and under the edges of carpets. Once you find a trail of ants, try and follow the trail back to locate the nest or an entry point into the building. The nest can generally be found in wall voids, behind baseboards, behind cabinets, in potted plants, between books, and in many of the same sites you might find Pharaoh ants.

The ghost ant will often be found in bathrooms and near water pipes or A/C lines looking for water. Outdoors, trails of ghost ants can be found along the foundation wall and running up the wall to holes or cracks through which they enter the building.

Menu of Control Tactics for Ghost Ants