Ghost ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.

Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Inhabits warm, humid environments; frequently found indoors in kitchens, bathrooms, and inside wall voids or potted plants.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; primarily feeds on honeydew from aphids and mealybugs, but inside homes, they are highly attracted to sugary foods, fats, and liquids.

Behavior Patterns

Characterized by extremely fast and erratic movements when disturbed. They form large, multi-queen colonies that can easily relocate if the nest is threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily considered a nuisance pest in households due to their size and ability to contaminate food. They do not sting and their bite is usually too weak for humans to feel, but they can act as mechanical vectors for bacteria.

Identified on: 12/31/2025