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How to identify and get rid of pharaoh ants

Getting rid of pharaoh ants by yourself is very difficult because these ants are hard to control once they make their way into your property. They can multiply fast and spread to new areas if disturbed, and sprays and insecticides can make the problem worse.

Quick facts about pharaoh ants

  • Their extremely small size makes them difficult to detect until the population is large
  • Multiple queens allow the colony to grow and recover rapidly
  • Standard sprays often cause the colony to split and spread to new areas
  • They frequently contaminate food and sterile surfaces with bacteria
  • Nests are typically hidden in warm indoor locations near water sources.

 

Pharaoh ant walking on a green stem

How to identify pharaoh ants

Pharaoh ants are very small, measuring around 1/16” to ⅝” long. They have a yellow to light brown body with a darker abdomen. 

Unlike some other ants, they do not have a noticeable stinger. Because they are so tiny and light-colored, they can be hard to see.

Their antennae have 12 segments, are slightly curved, and have two small nodes between their thorax and abdomen.

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Behavior and nesting habits

Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid places and like to stay hidden. They often nest in walls, behind baseboards, and near water sources like sinks and drains. Unlike outdoor ants that build large mounds, pharaoh ants remain inside, creating nests in safe, hidden locations.

These ants are not picky eaters. They consume sweets, proteins, and greasy foods, which allows them to thrive in homes and businesses. Because they are so small, they can move easily through tiny cracks and gaps, making them very difficult to control. They are also known to relocate their nests frequently, especially if they detect a threat.

Signs of a pharaoh ant infestation

It can be hard to know if you have pharaoh ants because they nest in hidden areas. However, some signs to look for include:

  • Spotting tiny, yellowish ants in your home, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. These ants are often seen near sinks, drains, and food sources, as they are attracted to moisture and crumbs.
  • Noticing ant trails. Pharaoh ants leave behind scent trails to help other worker ants find food. You might notice lines of ants moving along baseboards, walls, or countertops, especially leading to food storage areas or water sources.
  • In serious cases, you might find small nests in hard-to-reach spots like walls, under floors, behind appliances, or in electrical outlets.

If you see pharaoh ants in your home, act quickly. Their colonies can grow fast, and if not treated properly, they can spread to other areas of your home. Early detection and professional treatment are essential for effective control.

A close- up of a pharaoh ant on a peony

Why pharaoh ants are a problem

Pharaoh ants can be a major issue for homeowners and businesses, as they can be very hard to eliminate.

Unlike other ant species, pharaoh ants have multiple queens. This lets their colonies reproduce quickly and spread throughout a building. If part of their colony is disturbed, they will break off and form new nests in different areas, making infestations worse over time.

These ants are also drawn to food and water sources, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal nesting spots. They feed on sweets, proteins, and greasy foods, which means unsealed food containers, crumbs, and spills can attract them. 

Once they find a reliable food source, they leave scent trails to help other ants follow, leading to large infestations in a short amount of time.

How to prevent pharaoh ants in your home

DIY methods often fall short in eliminating an ant infestation at the source, so if you are struggling to control ants around your property, it’s best to contact our ant experts. Instead of relying on sprays, which only kill visible ants and can worsen the infestation, we use specially formulated bait. Worker ants collect the bait and bring it back to the colony, where it spreads to other ants, including the queens.

Over time, this approach can get rid of the entire colony, preventing the infestation from returning. Our professional pest experts also monitor bait stations to ensure the treatment is working and make adjustments as needed.

For pharaoh ants, slow-acting bait is the most effective. The best bait types include sugar-, protein-, and grease-based baits, as these ants eat a variety of foods. Because pharaoh ants are picky, we will tend to use multiple bait types to ensure success.

Cleaning and preventing future infestations

Keeping your home clean and free of moisture can help prevent future infestations. Consider the following tips: 

  • Wipe down kitchen counters and surfaces regularly.
  • Store food in sealed containers to keep ants out.
  • Fix leaks and remove standing water, as ants are drawn to moisture.
  • Seal cracks in walls, floors, and around windows and doors.
  • Take out the trash often and keep garbage bins clean.

Other common ant species

These large ants like to burrow into wood to create their nests. They are often found in damp or rotting wood inside homes.

Sugar ants are small ants that are highly attracted to sweet foods. They can be a significant health hazard.

These tiny ants are attracted to greasy and protein-rich foods and can be found in kitchens and pantries.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, pharaoh ants can be difficult to remove. They build nests in hidden places and have multiple queens. If disturbed, they spread to new areas. Professional pest control is the best way to get rid of these pests completely.

Pharaoh ants are drawn to food, water, and warmth. They eat sugary, greasy, and protein-rich foods. Crumbs, spills, and open food containers can bring them into kitchens. They also nest in warm, humid areas like walls, floors, and electrical outlets.

Pharaoh ants are believed to have originated in tropical regions before spreading worldwide. Their small size and ability to survive indoors have allowed them to thrive in many climates, especially in heated buildings.

Yes, pharaoh ants can be a health risk. They crawl through dirty spots like trash and drains. Then, they spread bacteria onto food and surfaces. This can cause food contamination and illness, especially in hospitals and homes.

The only way to remove pharaoh ants for good is with professional pest control. Experts use baiting methods to eliminate entire colonies. They also inspect for hidden nests and seal entry points to prevent re-infestation.

Pharaoh ants are attracted to food, moisture, and warmth. They search for sugary and greasy foods, unsealed leftovers, and even pet food. They also seek out water sources in sinks, leaky pipes, and humid areas – so keeping your home clean and dry helps reduce infestations.

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