Ghost Ant

Ghost Ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Color: The pale colored, almost translucent abdomen and legs

Size: Tiny, usually less than 1/16-inch in length.

Indoors: In flowerpots, under objects on the ground, under loose bark, and at the bases of palm fronds the ant colonizes wall void, cracks or spaces between cabinetry, books and baseboards. It will also nest in potted plants.

Outdoors: Temporarily moist grass, plant stems, and cavities beneath detritus in open under items on the ground, within landscape mulch, beneath loose bark on trees, under ground cover, in potted plants, and within piles of items such as lumber, firewood, or bricks. Nests may be readily established inside homes in walls, beneath carpeting, and in other suitable voids or spaces.

Colonies may be moderate to large in size containing numerous reproducing females (polygyny).

New colonies are probably formed by budding. This occurs when one or more reproductive females, accompanied by several workers and possibly some brood (larvae and pupae) leave an established colony for a new nesting site. There does not appear to be any infighting between members of different colonies or nests.

The nesting habits of the ghost ant are similar to that of the Pharaoh ant.

Workers have the habit of running rapidly and erratically when disturbed. They are fond of honeydew and tend honeydew-excreting insects. They also feed on both dead and live insects. When workers are found trailing, their movement is more slow and deliberate. On close inspection some trailing workers can be seen carrying brood (larvae and pupae). They will enter structures from nests near foundations or from plants that contact the building.

In Costa Rica, jumping spiders were found living within nests of located on the undersides of leaves. The basis of this relationship appears to be symbiotic. The spiders provide the ants with protection from predators and parasites, while the ant nest is used as a foundation for web construction.

The workers are very fond of the honeydew secreted by aphids, mealy bugs, and scales and will protect them from predators. Ghost ants readily attack and kill insects and will forage on dead insects in window sills and around outdoor light fixtures. Indoors, ghost ants show a preference for sweets. They are commonly found inside packages of candy, sugar, and similar foods in kitchen pantries.

Nuisance

MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS AND TREATMENT FOR Ghost Ant CONTROL

Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often, the problem may be solved just by removing these key items.

It is important to be aware of how to prevent Ghost Ant in your everyday life. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, see few Ghost Ant prevention tips to keep in mind regarding how to avoid Ghost Ant.

Pesticides can be purchased in many different forms, each form has specific uses and application methods The pesticide application method you choose depends on the nature and habits of the target pest, the properties of the pesticide, the suitability of the application equipment, and the cost and efficiency of alternative methods. Your choice is often predetermined by one or more of these factors. Follow label directions for volume recommendations and application rates based on the pest to be controlled and utilize appropriate application tips on equipment. , these application methods are for informational purposes only. To know specific applications method/s for the product you buy, please refer actual packages for complete Label Verbiage.

Are ready-to-Use pressurized containers which contain a dilute insecticide, which forced through a nozzle on the container releasing the material in to the air.

Aerosols
Ant control kit
Bait insecticide
Dust insecticide are finely ground solid particles of the chemical mixed with a fine inert powder such as clay or talc.

Dust Insecticides
Insect Growth regulators are man-made materials that are similar to natural chemicals found in an insect body. These chemicals inhibit or delay the development of internal organs. This result in sterility or affects normal development.

Insect Growth Regulators
Concentrated insecticides are materials that are mixed with water (in most cases) and are then applied through pump sprayers.

Liquid Concentrate
Granulated pesticides or insecticides are merely a dry form of product that is spread or broadcast over specific areas such as turf grasses, landscape ornamental plantings, gardens or flower beds.

Outdoor Granular Insecticides
Low-concentrate RTU formulations are ready to use and require no further dilution before application.

Ready-To-Use (RTU)
Sticky boards or traps are used to determine the number of a pest and to locate pest nesting areas.

Sticky board
Wettable powders are dry, finely ground formulations that look like dusts. They usually must be mixed with water for application as a spray.

Wettable Powders

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