Pharaoh ants may not have pyramids to call home, but these tiny pests certainly act like rulers of their domain. Their minuscule size and near-invisible nature allow them to invade homes, businesses, and facilities with stealth and precision. Facility Pest Control has dealt with countless infestations of these elusive ants, and we’re here to share the must-know details about this pervasive pest. If you’re asking, “What are Pharaoh ants?”—you’re about to find out, along with why managing them is no small feat.
The Basics: What Are Pharaoh Ants?
Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are small, yellowish-brown ants that measure just 1.5 to 2 millimeters in length. Despite their size, they pack a major punch when it comes to disruption. Believed to have originated in Africa, Pharaoh ants have adapted to live almost anywhere humans are present, thriving in warm, humid environments like hospitals, restaurants, and residential properties.
What makes Pharaoh ants unique is their ability to form expansive colonies. Unlike other ants, these pests don’t just rely on one central nest. Instead, they form multiple sub-colonies, connected like a sprawling empire, allowing them to quickly rebound even after partial extermination attempts.
Why Are They Called Pharaoh Ants?
The name “Pharaoh ants” stems from a centuries-old misconception. Early scientists believed these ants plagued ancient Egyptian tombs. While that may not be true, the name stuck. Given their ability to conquer spaces with rapid expansion, the regal moniker feels oddly appropriate.
Identifying Pharaoh Ants
To effectively tackle Pharaoh ants, you first need to know how to identify them. These ants are:
- Tiny and Light-Colored: They have a pale, almost translucent appearance with shades of yellow, red, or light brown.
- Two-Noded Waist: Their segmented bodies have a distinct, two-noded petiole, which differentiates them from other small ants.
- Dark Eyes: Their dark eyes stand out against their pale body.
- Erratic Trails: Pharaoh ants don’t always follow predictable trails like other ants, making their movements harder to track.
Given their tiny size and coloring, Pharaoh ants can easily be mistaken for harmless crumbs or lint on countertops and floors—until you notice them swarming.
The Life Of A Pharaoh Ant Colony
Pharaoh ants exhibit fascinating behavior that makes them both resilient and difficult to control.
- Multiple Queens: A single Pharaoh ant colony can house multiple queens, ensuring the colony’s survival even if one queen dies.
- Bud Splitting: When under threat or in search of resources, Pharaoh ants “bud” off, with a group of workers and a queen forming a new colony. This ability to split means infestations often worsen after incomplete extermination efforts.
- Omnivorous Diet: Pharaoh ants are not picky eaters. They consume sweets, proteins, fats, and even non-food items like toothpaste and soap. This adaptability enables them to thrive in a variety of environments.
Why Pharaoh Ants Are A Big Problem
Pharaoh ants are more than just a nuisance. They can pose serious risks, especially in sensitive facilities.
1. Health Hazards
Pharaoh ants are notorious carriers of bacteria, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus. In hospitals, they’ve been known to crawl into sterile environments, contaminate equipment, and even infest wounds, posing significant health risks to patients.
2. Difficult To Control
Their nesting habits make Pharaoh ants incredibly challenging to eliminate. Traditional extermination methods, like spraying pesticides, often backfire by triggering colony budding, leading to an even bigger infestation.
3. Damage To Property
While they don’t chew through wood or wiring like termites, Pharaoh ants can still cause property damage by contaminating food supplies and infiltrating machinery or electronics, especially in commercial settings.
Common Places Pharaoh Ants Hide
Pharaoh ants thrive indoors, especially in locations with warmth and moisture. Here’s where you’re likely to find them:
- Kitchens and Pantries: Food spills and crumbs attract Pharaoh ants like a magnet.
- Bathrooms: Their love for moisture often brings them to sinks, tubs, and drains.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Warmth, food, and sterile environments create the perfect conditions for infestation.
- Commercial Kitchens: Restaurants and food processing facilities are prime targets due to abundant food sources.
- Electronics and Appliances: Pharaoh ants often seek warmth inside electronics, leading to potential damage.
How Do Pharaoh Ants Enter Your Space?
Pharaoh ants are masters of infiltration. They enter buildings through:
- Cracks in Walls and Foundations
- Open Windows and Doors
- Utility Lines and Pipes
- Packing Materials: Shipping boxes and groceries can unknowingly transport these pests into your space.
Once inside, they establish hidden nests in walls, under floors, or inside appliances, making detection and removal a formidable challenge.
DIY Pharaoh Ant Control: Does It Work?
While DIY solutions like ant baits and sprays may seem effective at first, they often fail with Pharaoh ants. The reasons?
- Spraying Can Trigger Budding: Using spray pesticides scatters the colony, causing it to divide and multiply.
- Ant Baits Require Precision: Pharaoh ants may ignore baits if the food source isn’t appealing or if competition with other food is present.
For lasting results, professional pest control is essential.
Facility Pest Control’s Approach To Pharaoh Ants
At Facility Pest Control, we understand the complexities of Pharaoh ant infestations. Our tailored approach ensures not only the elimination of existing colonies but also prevention of future infestations. Here’s how we do it:
1. Comprehensive Inspection
Our experts locate nests, entry points, and food sources to get a clear picture of the infestation.
2. Customized Treatment Plan
We use targeted baits and non-repellent treatments that work from within the colony, eliminating ants at the source without triggering budding.
3. Preventive Measures
To prevent reinfestation, we seal entry points, provide recommendations for sanitation, and offer routine monitoring.
Tips For Preventing Pharaoh Ants
While professional treatment is the best solution, proactive prevention can reduce your risk of infestation:
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Wipe down counters and floors to remove food debris.
- Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for snacks, cereals, and pet food.
- Fix Leaks: Repair dripping faucets and leaky pipes to eliminate moisture sources.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Close gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines.
- Inspect Deliveries: Check packages and groceries for signs of pests before bringing them indoors.
Why Choose Facility Pest Control?
Pharaoh ants require a sophisticated approach to control. At Facility Pest Control, we combine science, experience, and precision to tackle even the most challenging infestations. Our team is equipped to handle Pharaoh ants in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, ensuring your property remains pest-free.
Conclusion
Pharaoh ants may seem like tiny invaders, but their impact can be monumental. Understanding what Pharaoh ants are and how they operate is the first step toward eliminating them. With Facility Pest Control by your side, you can rest assured that these pesky pests won’t rule your domain for long.
Got Pharaoh ants? Contact Facility Pest Control today and let us restore order to your property.
