Ghost Ants
These are Ghost Ants.
How to identify Ghost Ants: The Ghost Ant get's it's name from its light-colored abdomen and legs, the back and bottom parts of the ant. This serves as camouflage and makes them much harder to see. If you look at the pictures of the ants above, you will notice that about half of the ant is blending in with the fruit they are eating. |
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What do Ghost Ants eat?
Ghost Ants generally live in the tropics and really enjoy fruit and other sweets. Sometimes these ants will get carried into other non-tropical areas and thrive in a warm, moist place, such as a house plant that made a move from Florida to Virginia. They can spread from this plant into other parts of your house.
How do Ghost Ants get into my home or business?
If you have Ghost Ants in Virginia then chances are that they hitchhiked their way into your home. They could have piggy backed on some fruit from Florida and came for a visit with the in-laws. And much like in-laws, they may be overstaying their welcome.
How do I get rid of Ghost Ants?
To get rid of Ghost Ants, you have to exterminate them at their source and be sure there is not a secondary nest somewhere else in your house. The good news with Ghost Ants in Virginia is that if you get rid of them, they likely will not come back as they are not native to this area.
Image credit - Wikipedia Commons