Ghost Ants Bites and Treatments

Do Ghost Ants Bite/Sting?

Ghost ant bites are not a concern because they do not have stingers.

Ghost Ants and Your Health: Harmless but Unwelcome

Ghost ants cannot sting, and they are too small and weak-jawed to deliver a bite most people would notice. They are not known to spread disease to people or pets. If tiny ants are biting or stinging you in Florida, a different species is the likely culprit:

• Fire ants are reddish-brown, come in mixed sizes within the same nest, build mounds in sunny spots, and leave stings that often turn into small white pustules within about a day.
• Little fire ants, found in parts of Central and South Florida, are tiny like ghost ants but are an even light golden-brown with no pale body. Their sting is painful for such a small ant.

The real concern is contamination. Ghost ants travel across counters, sinks, trash cans and bathroom fixtures, so they can carry dirt and germs onto food and surfaces. Throw away food they have gotten into, and wash dishes and counters they crossed with soap and water.

Pets: ghost ants may crowd into pet food bowls but do not harm pets.

If you do get a red, itchy bump after brushing against ants, wash it and use a cold pack. See a doctor for signs of infection or any allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or trouble breathing, although that would be very unusual with ghost ants. Getting them out of the house is covered in how to get rid of ghost ants.