Ghost ants, also known as odorous house ants, are a common pest that can invade homes and become a nuisance in the kitchen. Getting rid of ghost ants takes some work, but there are several effective methods you can use to control an infestation in your kitchen.
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What are ghost ants?
Ghost ants are tiny ants, measuring only 1/16 to 1/8 inches long. They are pale white to yellowish in color, hence the name “ghost ant.” They get the alternate name of odorous house ant from the strong rotten coconut-like smell they emit when crushed. This distinct odor comes from the ants’ pheromones and helps the ants follow scent trails to food sources.
Ghost ants nest outdoors in soil, mulch, under stones, or in rotten wood. Indoors, they may nest inside walls, under floors or baseboards, and around heat sources like water heaters. They enter buildings through cracks and crevices seeking water and sugary foods. Inside, they follow established scent trails between their nest and food sources.
Why are ghost ants a problem in the kitchen?
Ghost ants become a nuisance in the kitchen because they feed on sugary substances like syrup, honey, jelly, and sweets. They will also eat grease, meats, cheese, fruit, and nuts. Ghost ants forage in narrow trails along counters, floors, and walls following pheromone trails leading to food. Their trails may end up in pantries, on counters, or in cupboards where food is stored.
Once ghost ants find a food source in your kitchen, they are very difficult to get rid of. The ants recruit more foragers by laying down pheromone trails between their nest and the food source. More ants follow the trail to the food, feeding and strengthening the scent trail. Ghost ants will also explore new areas in the quest for food and water.
How to get rid of ghost ants in the kitchen
Use the following integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to get rid of ghost ants in your kitchen:
Inspect and locate nests
Finding and eliminating ghost ant nests is key to controlling infestations. Search inside and outside your home along baseboards, under appliances, around heat sources, and in cracks and crevices. Look for the ants trailing along walls and surfaces to try to locate their nest. Ghost ants have multiple nesting sites, so you may find several colonies around your kitchen.
Remove food sources
Ghost ants are attracted to sugary and greasy foods in your kitchen. Removing these food sources can help get rid of the ants:
- Store food like sugar, syrup, honey, pet food, etc. in airtight containers.
- Keep counters and floors clean and wipe up spills immediately.
- Empty garbage frequently and use tight-sealing trash cans.
- Clean greasy surfaces and appliances thoroughly.
- Seal packages and bags of food tightly.
Without easy access to food, ghost ants are more likely to leave your kitchen.
Use ant baits
Ant baits contain a pesticide mixed with a food attractant. Worker ants take the bait back to the nest and feed it to other ants, killing them. Baits are effective for ghost ants because they follow scent trails between nests and food. Bait near nests and along trails in the kitchen. It may take time for baits to control large infestations.
Some effective bait products for ghost ants include:
- Advion Ant Gel
- Maxforce Quantum Ant Bait
- Terro Liquid Ant Bait
Apply pesticide sprays and dusts
Insecticide sprays and dusts can help control ghost ants in your kitchen:
- Use boric acid powder in cracks along baseboards, under appliances, and in other nesting spots. The ants ingest it while grooming.
- Spray insecticides like Alpine WSG and Demand CS into nest openings and trails.
- Apply barrier sprays like pyrethroids around door and window frames to prevent re-entry.
Make sure to only apply pesticides in places food cannot become contaminated. Reapply sprays every few weeks since they have limited residual activity.
Use natural repellents
Some natural repellents can deter ghost ants from kitchens:
- Sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, or cloves along ant trails.
- Wipe counters with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution.
- Use essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils where ants enter and travel.
- Scatter dried bay leaves in cabinets and on shelves.
Reapply these substances frequently since they lose potency quickly. While natural options may help, they likely won’t fully eliminate ant infestations.
Fix leaks and seal openings
Because ghost ants need moisture, fixing water leaks and sealing openings deters them from your kitchen:
- Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and appliances.
- Caulk small openings around windows, pipes, wires, etc.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Install screens on vents and floor drains.
Sealing cracks shuts out ghost ants and makes your kitchen less inviting to them.
Preventing ghost ant infestations
Prevent future ghost ant problems in your kitchen by taking these proactive steps:
- Regularly clean kitchen surfaces and vacuum.
- Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks and wiping up spills immediately.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Inspect packages before bringing food home from the store.
- Seal entry points such as cracks and openings.
Stay vigilant for signs of ant activity like trailing ants. Act quickly if ghost ants invade to prevent major infestations.
When to call a pest control professional
Contact a pest control professional if:
- You are unable to locate or eliminate ghost ant nests.
- Ant populations are very large.
- Your infestation persists after thorough home treatment.
- You prefer to have the issue handled by an expert.
Professionals have the expertise and insecticide products to effectively eliminate ghost ant infestations. They can also identify nest locations, seal entry points, and take steps to prevent future invasions.
| Ghost Ant Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tapinoma melanocephalum |
| Size | 1/16 – 1/8 inches long |
| Color | Pale white to yellowish |
| Nesting Habits | Outdoors in soil or rotting wood. Indoors in wall voids, under floors, around heat sources. |
| Food Sources | Sweets, proteins, fats, grease, pet food |
| Problems Caused | Food contamination, structural damage if nests are inside walls |
Conclusion
Ghost ants can be pesky intruders in your kitchen, contaminating food and causing annoyance. Getting rid of them takes diligence and repeated use of baits, sprays, powders, and home remedies. Sealing entry points and removing food sources also helps kick ghost ants out of the kitchen for good. With persistence and preventing future infestations, you can enjoy an ant-free kitchen once again.