Pharaoh Ant
Our remedy for pharaoh ant control
First, contact us. Pharaoh ant control can be very difficult. Using contact insecticides will cause them to fracture or split into two or more colonies to survive. Baiting foraging trails and suspected areas of activity is the most effective pharaoh ant control method. Do not spray or disturb ants or bait stations, and avoid using cleaners around bait placements as this can destroy the integrity of pheromone trails.
The Pharaoh ant and dozens of other common household pests are all covered under our most popular residential program, the Healthy Home Maintenance Program.
How to Identify a Pharaoh Ant
Appearance
Yellow to reddish; very small, 1/16 to 1/8″ long.
Habitat
Pharaoh ants nest almost anywhere that provides protection. They are extremely opportunistic and have been found nesting in walls, furniture, appliances, between folded sheets, hollow curtain rods, inside irons and under roofing shingles. They have a high daily water requirement and prefer warm, humid areas close to food and water. Workers range widely from the nest and establish visible trails to food and water sources. They travel from room to room via hidden plumbing pipes and electrical wires.
Diet
Pharaoh ants are opportunistic feeders that will “swarm” on foods that appear within their foraging range, which is why pharaoh ant control often uses bait. Indoors, they feed on meats, nuts, cheese, honey, bread crumbs, meats, grease and pet bowls.
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Pharaoh Ant FAQs
What Exactly Is a Pharaoh Ant?
Pharaoh ants are named after the misconception that they were one of the plagues of Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs. Though believed to originate from Africa, they are now prevalent across the United States.
What Are Some Preventive Measures for Pharaoh Ants?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of pharaoh ants, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some ways to help prevent pharaoh ants from making their home on your property:
- Seal any potential entry points in your home, including small openings and cracks around doors and windows.
- Maintain clean countertops and floors, ensuring they are free of crumbs.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed bins.
- Remove standing water sources outside and use a dehumidifier indoors to prevent moisture buildup.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house and keep firewood at least 20 feet away.
- Consider consulting a pest professional to implement a preventive pest management plan.
What Are Typical Pharaoh Ant Behaviors?
Pharaoh ant colonies are usually large, with thousands of workers. If disturbed, they may relocate to establish new colonies through a process called budding. These ants feed on various food sources, including sweets, oils, proteins, and even dead insects.
What Are Common Places to Find Pharaoh Ants?
Pharaoh ants are often present in commercial food-handling establishments like hotels, grocery stores, and hospitals. Indoors, they nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources, typically in inaccessible spots such as wall voids, behind baseboards, and under floors. They also navigate through walls and between floorboards using electrical and telephone wires. Outdoors they prefer shaded areas or places under debris, though they cannot survive outdoors year-round in northern regions.
What Are the Risks Associated With Pharaoh Ants?
Pharaoh ants are known to spread more than a dozen disease pathogens, including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They pose a significant nuisance in hospitals, where they can enter wounds, IV bottles, and even seek moisture from sleeping patients’ mouths.
How Can I Effectively Control Pharaoh Ants?
If you suspect a pharaoh ant infestation in your home, it’s advisable to contact a licensed pest control professional. They will conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the issue and implement appropriate control measures accordingly.
What Are Pharaoh Ants’ Dietary Preferences?
Pharaoh ants have a diverse diet, consuming other insects, sweets, oils, and proteins. They utilize pheromones to lead fellow ants from their colony to these food supplies.
Where Do Pharaoh Ants Come From?
Although their precise origins remain uncertain, Pharaoh ants are believed to hail from northern Africa. They typically establish nests in warm, humid regions within homes, favoring locations near food stores such as behind baseboards, within wall voids, under floors, or behind sizable appliances.
What Are the Signs of a Pharaoh Ant Infestation?
An infestation may be indicated by observing trails of these tiny ants, especially around food sources, water sources, and areas of warmth. Look for small, light yellow to red ants, often with a darker abdomen, moving in trails. You may also notice more ants after disturbing their habitat or seeing multiple nests when their colonies split through budding.
Can Pharaoh Ant Baits Be Effective in Controlling an Infestation?
Yes, pharaoh ant baits can be effective as part of an integrated pest management strategy. These ants are attracted to baits that are sweet, protein-based, or greasy, which should be placed near their trails and entry points. It’s crucial to use slow-acting baits to allow ants to carry the poison back to their colony, thereby eliminating it over time.
How Long Does It Take to Eradicate a Pharaoh Ant Colony?
The time it takes to eradicate a pharaoh ant colony can vary significantly, depending on the size of the infestation and the control methods employed. Typically, it requires several weeks to several months. Consistent application of the chosen control method, such as baiting and maintaining preventative measures, is critical to success.
What Is Your Service Area?
Franklin Pest Solutions gladly answers your questions related to pharaoh ant queens, pharaoh ant bites, and more. We offer our services to home and business owners within a 50 mile radius from each of our branch locations in Hammond, Michigan City, Lafayette, New Albany, Indianapolis, and South Bend, IN.
No more ants inside our home!
“We have been using this pest control company for a few years. We have been very satisfied. No more ants inside our home! Keith our technician is very personable and does a very thorough job.”
Kathy A. | Homeowner in Lafayette, IN
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