The workers are very fond of the honeydew secreted by aphids, mealy bugs, and scales and will protect them from predators. Ghost ants readily attack and kill insects and will forage on dead insects in windowsills and around outdoor light fixtures. Indoors, ghost ants show a preference for sweets. They are commonly found inside packages of candy, sugar, and similar foods in kitchen pantries.

The ghost ant's primary habitat is outdoors, and like most successful tramp ant species, it is highly opportunistic in its nesting habits. It will nest in soil, in debris in crotches of trees, dead tree limbs, under and inside logs, in and under firewood, and under stones. Indoor, colonies will be located inside walls, in boxes, between sheets, towels, and folded clothing, in waterbeds, and virtually any other dark protected site.

Multiple queens may be spread out in multiple sub colonies. Usually, nesting occurs in disturbed areas, in flowerpots, under objects on the ground, under loose bark, and at the bases of palm fronds.

Ghost ants seem to have a high need for moisture and as a result readily live inside wall voids, and homeowners often report seeing workers trailing out of electric outlet plates, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Like Pharaoh ants, these ants use electric wires to travel from room to room. Removing electric outlet plates and inspecting with a flashlight can sometimes see foraging ants in these areas.

Ghost ants have the habit of running rapidly and erratically around when disturbed. They will trail in a line, and can often be seen carrying their offspring to a new nesting location. They are small enough to enter homes through the tiniest holes in caulking, or cracks in foundations. Once inside the home, they can be seen in kitchens and bathrooms trailing to and from the sinks (searching for moisture). Ghost ants prefer to feed on ‘honeydew’ and other insects, but once inside they will eat anything sweet (hence the commonly referred to as the ‘sugar ant’).

Successful control of ghost ants depends on the ability to locate foraging ants and nesting sites. Ghost ant colonies living in the soil or under items, such as stones or logs, should be treated by drenching each individual colony with a residual insecticide using a hand held sprayer or backpack sprayer.

Ghost Ant colonies living inside wall voids can be treated by drilling a small hole into the wall and injecting a small amount of an aerosol or dust insecticide. If the ghost ant colony cannot be located, outdoor liquid ant bait stations must be used. Sweet baits have a tendency to be more effective over other liquid baits by ghost ants. Some experts have found that ghost ants respond better to granular ant baits if the granules are ground into finer, smaller particles.

The best approach to ant control in the home is cleanliness. Any type of food or food particles can attract and provide food for ants. Store food in tight containers. Remove plants that can attract ants or control aphids, whiteflies and other insects that produce honeydew. Reduce moisture sources, including condensation and leaks.

Some photos and information are provided by Bayer.