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Ghost ants may sound like something straight out of a spooky campfire story, but here in Sarasota, FL, they’re very real—and very annoying. These little guys are so small (just 1.3–1.5 mm long) that you might think you’re imagining them until you see an entire trail marching across your counter. With dark heads, pale bodies, and a tendency to pop up out of nowhere, they really earn their ghostly name.
And Sarasota’s warm, humid weather? It’s like a luxury resort for ghost ants.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost ants are tiny—so tiny you might mistake them for specs of dust until they swarm your sugar jar.
- They love Florida’s humidity and stay active all year long.
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and potted plants are their favorite hangouts.
- Colonies split and spread fast, which makes DIY control tricky.
- Bait works better than sprays when it comes to shutting down the whole colony.
Why Ghost Ants Love Sarasota
Florida is practically paradise for ghost ants. Unlike up north where ants take a winter break, Sarasota’s subtropical climate keeps them buzzing 12 months a year. During the summer rainy season (May–October), ghost ants go wild. Heavy rains boost the insect populations that produce honeydew (aphids, scale, mealybugs), which is basically ant candy. That’s when homeowners start noticing trails creeping into kitchens and bathrooms.
Even in cooler months, ghost ants aren’t slowing down. They’ll happily move inside, setting up shop in wall voids, baseboards, and even the soil of your favorite potted plant. If it’s warm and damp, they’re in.
Where They Like to Hide
Ghost ants aren’t picky, but they do have favorites. Outdoors, they nest under mulch, leaf litter, and flowerpots. Indoors, they sneak into wall voids, under sinks, and behind cabinets. Some colonies even build multiple nests that connect like a little ant subdivision.
Here’s the kicker: ghost ants are polygynous, meaning they have multiple queens. That gives them a serious edge. If one colony is disturbed, a queen and some workers just split off and start a new one somewhere else in your house.
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Request a QuoteSarasota Homeowners’ Biggest Complaints
- Countertop invasions – Long trails running to syrup bottles or cookie crumbs.
- Bathroom break-ins – Ghost ants love moisture, so you’ll find them crawling near sinks and showers.
- Food raiding – From sugar jars to pet bowls, nothing sweet or greasy is safe.
- Smelly squish – Step on one, and you’ll smell a funky coconut-like odor. Yes, really.
How to Kick Ghost Ants Out
If ghost ants were paying rent, they could stay. But since they’re freeloaders, here’s how Sarasota homeowners can fight back:
- Bait > Spray: Ghost ants will just reroute if you spray. Baits (sugar- or protein-based) get carried back to the queens and knock out the colony.
- Clean up like a hawk: Wipe counters, seal food, and rinse sticky dishes fast. These ants have a sweet tooth.
- Fix leaks: Damp cabinets under sinks are prime nesting real estate.
- Tame your plants: If your garden or houseplants have aphids or scale insects, ghost ants will be there for the honeydew.
- Call in the pros: If you keep seeing trails no matter what, it’s time for a Sarasota exterminator who knows how to target ghost ants without scattering them into new nests.
Fun (and Slightly Gross) Facts
- A ghost ant colony can have thousands of workers and multiple queens. Talk about a bad roommate situation.
- They can show up in food boxes—even sealed ones—if the cardboard isn’t airtight.
- Ghost ants are world travelers. Originally from tropical Asia or Africa, they now infest homes across Florida, the Caribbean, and even Hawaii. Sarasota just happens to be prime real estate for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do ghost ants eat?
They love sweets and proteins. Expect to see them swarming sugar jars, fruit, and even greasy leftovers. Outside, they farm honeydew from insects like aphids.
Are ghost ants dangerous?
Nope. They don’t sting or bite. But they can contaminate food, and their colonies spread fast, which makes them a serious nuisance.
Why do I see them mostly in the bathroom and kitchen?
Because those rooms give them what they want most: food and moisture. Leaky faucets, sticky counters, and warm spaces = ghost ant heaven.
Can I get rid of them myself?
Small infestations can sometimes be handled with baits and good sanitation. But because colonies split easily, most Sarasota homeowners need professional help for lasting results.
Do ghost ants go away in winter?
Not in Sarasota. The climate keeps them active year-round. In fact, cooler weather just drives them indoors where they’re more noticeable.
