About Ghost Ants

The ants originated from the tropics, probably Africa. They are regarded as part of the “tramp ants”, insects that dwell mostly in the tropics and subtropics. Ghost ants are well distributed in the tropics. They are also seen in the temperate regions. In the temperate regions, ghost ants are typically seen in greenhouses as well as buildings.

Canada, the US, and the Caribbean islands are some of the locations with established populations of ghost ants. Ghosts ants are highly adaptable, and they build nests in different locations, both in indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor nesting sites of ghost ants include tufts of dead grass that is temporarily wet, cavities, and plant stems. Ghost ants specifically choose disturbed areas as their outdoor nesting sites. The indoor nesting sites include wall voids as well as the spaces between baseboards and cabinets. They may also make potted plants their nesting sites.

The ants that nest indoors typically come from the outdoors. If they find a suitable pathway, they head indoors when necessary. It has been reported that ghost ants are opportunistic nesters. As long as a place can support them at a specific time, they could nest there a few weeks or months.

Ghost ants establish new colonies by budding. Budding requires numerous workers to leave an established colony and form a new one. They feed on a wide variety of items including dead and live animals. They are also lovers of honeydew and maintain close relationships with honeydew-producing insects to get a constant supply. Generally, ghost ants feed on sources of protein and sugar. The colonies of ghost ants could have multiple queens.