Ghost Ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
Color: Head and Chest; Dark brown to black
Abdomen and Legs; Pale or translucent white
Size: 1.3 – 1.5 mm
Shape: Thin body
Nutrition: Sugary and sweet substances, Fruit and syrup
Habitat: Worldwide, Tropical and Subtropical
General Behavior
They are usually nocturnal and difficult to spot because of their pale color.
Their colonies are mobile, moving fast.
They have more than one queen and their colonies are crowded.
They do not harbor other ants where they build their nests.
Threats
There is a risk of spreading bacteria and pathogens to food.
Inside buildings, they damage insulation products, cables and wood.
They reproduce fast because they are polygamous.
How Do We Recognize Infestation?
Sightings of live ants near food stores,
Nest control in areas such as plants, wall cavities,
To be seen in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, windows.