Florida “sugar ants” are tiny household invaders that seek moisture and sugar in kitchens and homes. Sugar ants are the nickname for Ghost Ants, Pharaoh Ants, and Odorous House Ants. Identifying these ants is the first step for proper treatment.
What do Sugar Ants look like?
Ghost Ants are the most common in South Florida. They are super tiny, about 1/16 of an inch, with pale legs and abdomen. This is why they are called ghost ants because they appear to be see-through.
Odorous House Ants are another small sugar ant. The key to identify them is that they release a strong, rotten coconut smell when crushed.
Pharaoh Ants are yellowish and tiny. They quickly create large colonies.
Why are Sugar Ants in my home?
These tiny invaders are in search of a food source or moisture. Often you will find them in kitchens. Small crumbs, spilled juice drops, pet food, and leaky pipes can attract these ants. Once they find a source, they will leave a trail for the other sugar ants to follow.
They can fit in tiny cracks, spaces, or gaps in foundation, windowsills, and door frames. They are active humid, warm areas which is why they are common in Florida.
Do I have a Sugar Ant Problem?
The first signs of an ant infestation are that homeowners will visibly see ants on the counters, near sinks, and on window sills. You may notice a steady line of ants moving to and from a food source.
Packaged sugary foods may show signs of tiny holes.
Small dust mounds near floorboards, wall cracks, and under cabinets can suggest nesting areas.
How do I get rid of sugar ants?
Homeowners should remove food sources regularly. You can wipe counters, clean sticky areas, keep food in airtight containers, and keep dirty dishes off counters and out of the sink. Any crumbs can be vacuumed.
Pet food should be monitored. Pet water can be in a raised container, and food can be picked up at night.
Sink faucets and other water sources should be examined for leaks. If a leak is present, fixing the leak is important to eliminate this water source.
Trophy Pest Control can help with infestations by providing effective bait traps along with an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM). The baits are important because they will carry the chemicals back to the queen to eliminate the colony.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Do sugar ants bite?
Yes, sugar ants can bite, but their tiny size and lack of a stinger and venom will not produce pain. You may feel a mild pinch, but there should be no irritation.
Can they cause an allergic reaction?
If you already have an allergy to insect bites, then you may experience irritation such as mild itching.
Can sugar ants cause structural damage to my home?
They do not cause structural damage like carpenter ants or termites. They are seen more as a nuisance pest because they can eat through plastics and other items to get to food. They can pose a bacterial concern on counters.
DIY treatment of sugar ants can provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying problem of a colony near your home. Trophy Pest Control is here with an experienced team and customized plans to help keep your home ant-free.
