How to Get Rid of Tiny Ants

They’re small, but the irritation they cause is anything but. Chances are you’ve encountered them before. All ants are small to us, but ants that appear even smaller than others are commonly called “tiny ants.” 

Their real name, however, is Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricus), or ghost ants. Ghost ants are about 1/16” long with dark brown heads and thoraxes, along with pale yellow abdomens and legs. It’s up to professional ant exterminators to identify all types of ants that infest homes and provide solutions to ant reduction.

So let’s take a look at how to identify these annoying critters and how you can prevent them from invading your home in the future. 

How can I prevent tiny ants?

Getting rid of tiny ants immediately may provide some relief, but preventing future infestations is equally important. Here are some prevention tips for around your home:

• Keep things tidy – Don’t leave food out and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. 
• Trim trees and shrubs – When plant limbs touch your home, ghost ants will use those branches as a highway to find their way inside. 
• Store firewood away from the house – This will discourage ghost ants and many other insects from venturing inside.
• Take away water sources – Ghost ants are attracted to leaky pipes, sinks, and toilets because they provide an easy source of moisture. 
• Seal off entryways – Inspect molding, windows, doors, electric outlets, foundations, and walls for cracks that might allow ghost ants entry into your home. 
• Get professional ant control – The experts at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control can help rid your property of existing ant infestations and keep future ones at bay. 

How can I get rid of tiny ants in my home?

To get rid of tiny ants in your home, you can use insecticide sprays, ant baits, boric acid treatments, and practice deep vacuuming. But the most effective way to truly get rid of them is professional ant control. 

Getting rid of tiny ghost ants on your own may seem cost-effective and time-saving. Store-bought products sometimes work only temporarily, so eliminating them in your home warrants expert work. 

Can I get rid of tiny ants on my own?

Yes, it’s possible – but it can be frustrating. Whether you’re using sprays or baits, placement is critical. The best place to target would be along ant trails or baseboards, or anywhere ants seem to be emanating. 

This may or may not solve your problem, as DIY ant control can be hit or miss. Ants may come back, find a new food source in your home, or build a new colony. For true, lasting ant reduction, store-bought and DIY solutions may not be enough. 

Call Capelouto Termite & Pest Control for better results in ant reduction.

What are tiny ants (also known as ghost ants)?

Ghost ants get their name from their ghost-like appearance. The paler bodies and these ants seemingly vanish when they run around on surfaces, especially on lighter-colored surfaces. The only thing you can see is their darker head and thorax when they ‘vanish’. This makes it even more difficult to track them, and trickier in elimination efforts.

Thanks to their preference for sugary foods, you’re most likely going to find them in the kitchen. Outside of the home, they’ll make their nests in a variety of places, including dead tree branches, leaf piles, organic debris, and the underside of stones and logs. 

Signs of a tiny ant infestation 

Apart from catching them in the act of stealing your food, unexplained smell is one of the main signs of tiny ant infestation. When you step on or crush them, they emit an odor like rotten coconuts. 

Other signs include:

• Ant nests in soil
• Indoor crevices
• Visible ant trails
• Holes in packaged food

Problems caused by tiny ants

You don’t want to ignore any ant infestation – it’s best to tackle it as soon as possible. The main problems caused by tiny ghost ants include:

• Food Spoilage – Even if you don’t leave food sitting on the counter, these clever ants can easily find their way into enclosed spaces like pantries.
• Colony size – Ghost ants live in moderate to large colonies inside your home – typically in the walls, baseboards, or cabinets. They’ve also been known to utilize potted plants. Other ant species will send workers to steal your food while keeping the nest outdoors. The last thing you need is an entire colony of ants in your home!

Let the professionals help reduce ghost ants in Florida homes

Don’t let ants steal your peace of mind! Since 1964, experts at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control have helped thousands of folks in Tallahassee eradicate these annoying insects. If you’ve seen tiny or ghost-like ants in your home, don’t wait – contact us today and enjoy a home free of pests!