Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; indoors, they are found in kitchens and bathrooms near moisture sources like sinks and pipes.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly honeydew from aphids and mealybugs; in homes, they seek out sweet foods like sugar, cakes, and syrups, but also eat dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly mobile and run rapidly and erratically when disturbed. They form multi-queen colonies and frequently move their nest sites to find better conditions.

Risks & Benefits

They do not sting and their bite is barely noticeable, but they are a major nuisance pest that can contaminate food and carry pathogenic bacteria into homes.

Identified on: 3/26/2026