Pest Library
Ghost Ant
Ghost ants are very small ants with a dark head and a pale, nearly translucent abdomen, which is why they seem to disappear against light countertops. They nest in small groups almost anywhere with warmth and moisture — potted plants, wall voids, cabinet spaces — and multiple nests in one building are normal.
Profile
- Scientific name
- Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Identification
- Dark head and thorax with a milky, translucent abdomen and legs. Faint coconut-like odor when crushed.
- Typical size
- About 1/16 inch (1.3-1.5 mm).
- Behavior
- Nests are small, numerous and easily relocated when disturbed.
- Habitat
- Potted plants, wall voids, cabinet voids, behind baseboards and around plumbing.
- Diet
- Sugars and honeydew, with some protein and grease.
- Lifecycle
- Multi-queen colonies that bud continuously in warm indoor conditions.
- Why it matters
- Nuisance and contamination only; no sting.
- DIY considerations
- Sprays scatter the colony into more nests. Careful baiting near trails does better.
- Professional considerations
- Inspection tracks trails to multiple small nests and uses non-repellent products so the colony is not fragmented.
Signs of activity
- Faint trails of very small ants near sinks and dishwashers
- Ants in and around houseplants
- Activity in bathrooms and around water heaters
- Repeat appearances after spraying, in a new location
Prevention
- Check and manage moisture in potted plants
- Keep sugary residue off counters and floors
- Seal gaps at plumbing penetrations and baseboards
- Reduce standing water around sinks and showers
Sources
Related information
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