Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; commonly found indoors in greenhouses, kitchens, and bathrooms in temperate climates.

Diet & Feeding

Broadly omnivorous, showing a strong preference for sweets such as honeydew and sugary household foods; also consumes grease and various insects.

Behavior Patterns

Highly mobile and erratic movement; they form multi-queen (polygynous) colonies and often relocate nests quickly if disturbed. They frequently travel along baseboards and sinks.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance household pest that can contaminate food; however, they do not sting and their bite is generally too small to be felt by humans. They provide some ecosystem benefit by scavenging or preying on small arthropods.

Identified on: 3/17/2026