Ghost ants, also known as odorous house ants, are common household pests found throughout the United States. Getting rid of these tiny ants can be challenging, but with patience and persistence, you can eliminate them from your home. This comprehensive guide will provide effective methods for controlling ghost ant infestations.
Identifying Ghost Ants
Ghost ants earned their name due to their pale coloring and ability to seem to disappear and reappear quickly. Here are some key identification features of this ant species:
- Color: Light yellowish-brown to pale gray
- Size: Workers are 1/16 to 1/8 inches long (about 2-3 mm)
- Abdomen: Darker shaded than the rest of the body
- Legs and Antennae: Whitish and translucent
- Behavior: Very fast-moving; colony often splits to form satellite nests
- Odor: Rotten coconut scent when crushed due to decanal chemical
Understanding Ghost Ant Habits
To get rid of ghost ants effectively, you need to understand their habits and preferences:
- Nesting: Prefer to nest indoors in wall voids, insulation, hollow doors, etc. Satellite nests spread from central colony.
- Foraging: Forage night and day following scent trails along edges, 30-100 feet from nest.
- Diet: Sweet substances like honeydew from aphids, sweet plant secretions, fruit juices. Also opportunistic omnivores.
- Activity: Become more active in spring and summer. Peak foraging when temps are 70-80°F.
- Entry: Get indoors through cracks in foundations, small openings around pipes, etc.
Dangers and Risks of Ghost Ant Infestations
Though they don’t sting or bite, ghost ants can still cause problems if left unchecked:
- Annoying invaders that are difficult to control. Large colonies can develop over time.
- Can damage electrical equipment or appliances by getting inside them.
- When foraging, ants leave scent trails that attract more ants.
- May tend aphids on plants, protecting them from predators. Aphids cause plant damage.
- Can contaminate human food sources and spread bacteria.
Effective Prevention Tips
Preventing ghost ant infestations involves maintaining your home and utilizing key tips:
- Eliminate moisture sources like leaks, condensation, standing water, etc. which attract ants.
- Seal cracks, crevices, holes where ants enter the house with caulk.
- Trim back trees/shrubs in contact with the structure. Ants use these as “bridges”.
- Keep kitchen surfaces clean and wipe up spills right away so ants aren’t attracted.
- Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers to deny ants access.
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances that provide water sources for ants.
- Remove trash regularly from the home so it doesn’t serve as an ant food source.
Non-Chemical Control Methods
Many effective, non-toxic methods can be used to control ghost ants:
Sanitation
Practice good sanitation by keeping counters, floors and other surfaces clean and free of food debris and spills that attract ants. Sweep and mop kitchen floors daily.
Sealing Entry Points
Seal cracks and openings where ants are getting into your home using caulk, expanding foam or other sealants. Pay special attention to areas around pipes and wires.
Removing Indoor Nests
If you locate an indoor ghost ant nest, vacuum it up thoroughly. This will remove many workers ants and eggs/larvae. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
Boric Acid Powder
Apply a fine layer of boric acid powder along ant trails in wall voids, under appliances, and in out-of-reach areas where you see ant activity. Avoid piles since ants will just walk around them. Re-apply after heavy rains or if ants return.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a desiccant dust that can dry out and kill ants that travel through it. Apply a fine layer along baseboards, windows, doorways and other ant entry points. Wear a mask when applying.
Ant Baits
Use boric acid or borax-based liquid or gel baits near ant trails or nesting sites. Place pea-size bait droplets on pieces of cardboard, foil or sticky traps. Avoid toxic ant baits with insecticides.
Deterrents
Sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt or coffee grounds in areas where ants are seen. You can also rub lemon peel directly along an ant trail. Strong odors deter ants. Reapply after rains or watering.
Boiling Water
Pour boiling water directly down indoor ant nests or trails you locate. This will kill many worker ants quickly. Be careful not to burn yourself or damage surfaces.
Chalk or Petroleum Jelly Barrier
Draw a line of chalk or petroleum jelly across ant trails, windowsills, doorways or other spots where you see ants entering. The texture deters ants from crossing.
When to Use Chemical Pesticides
If non-chemical methods alone prove ineffective, you may need limited use of pesticide sprays or baits:
- Spot treat ant trails and nests (if found) using boric acid liquid, gel bait or other products such as Terro Ant Killer. Follow all label directions carefully.
- Use ant and insect killer sprays or dusts in areas where ants are numerous. Products with pyrethrins are lower toxicity options.
- Hire a pest control professional for difficult, widespread infestations. They have access to stronger ant insecticides if needed. Ensure they use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to minimize use.
- Only use outdoor barrier treatments like granules around the home foundation as a last resort if ants persist.
FAQs About Controlling Ghost Ants
How do you get rid of ghost ants naturally?
Use boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth, boiling water and pure essential oils to kill and repel ants naturally. Keep kitchens clean, seal cracks ants use to enter, and eliminate moisture sources.
What scent do ghost ants hate?
Strong odors like citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, coffee and vinegar deter ghost ants. Try rubbing lemon peels directly on trails or soaking cotton balls in oils to repel them from an area.
Will vinegar kill ghost ants?
Yes, vinegar kills and repels ants. Spray or wipe undiluted white vinegar directly on ant trails and around nests. You can also mix 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle for large areas. Use apple cider vinegar outside. Reapply frequently.
What home remedy will kill ants?
Boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth, boiling water and using pure essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, citrus or eucalyptus will kill ants without toxic chemicals. Use ant baits containing boric acid or borax mixed with sugary foods too.
What are ghost ants attracted to?
Ghost ants are attracted to sweet substances and moisture. Keep counters and floors free of spills and crumbs. Fix plumbing leaks and eliminate standing water sources. Store food in sealed containers so ants can’t access it.
Do ghost ants bite?
No, ghost ants do not bite or sting. They have small mouthparts for eating, not biting. Rarely, if threatened, they may use their mandibles to pinch. But they are not an aggressive or medically significant ant species.
How do you kill a ghost ant mound?
Pour boiling water or very hot water mixed with some dish soap directly onto the mound. The heat and soap will kill ants on contact. For large mounds, break apart first and remove top layers so water can penetrate better. Treat mounds in the evening when ants are inside.
How do I keep ants from coming back?
- Caulk and seal all possible entryways into your home.
- Eliminate food and water sources ants use.
- Use ant baits or pesticides so foraging worker ants take bait back to kill nestmates.
- Keep surroundings dry and free of debris ants can nest in.
- Maintain regular pest control measures like ant monitors.
Conclusion
Eliminating ghost ants requires diligence and patience, but incorporating sanitation, barrier and pesticide methods will provide control. Target nests and entry points, avoid using toxic chemicals when possible, and maintain prevention habits to keep ants away in the long term. With a thoughtful, thorough approach, you can successfully get rid of pesky ghost ants invading your home.