Pharaoh ants are among the most tenacious household invaders and once they take up residence in your home, they can be very hard to get rid of. Those little ants can seem harmless at first, but they are known to reproduce at an astonishing rate and make their way, well, pretty much everywhere in your home. If you’ve seen pharaoh ants, particularly in food-handling or moist areas, you’re likely wondering what to do to get rid of them. In this guide, we’re going to break it down for you, so you are clued up when it comes to Pharaoh ants, from how to spot them to the best ways to get rid of them.
What Are Pharaoh Ants?
Monomorium pharaonic – Pharaoh Ant These are small ants – Pharaoh ants are only about 2mm in size. They are pale yellow to light brown ants and their abdomen is darker than their head and body and can be easily identified from other ant species. Pharaoh ants are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, and other places where food and moisture are plentiful.
Pharaoh ants are tiny, but they can be a big problem. They are a well-known vector for diseases, having been previously documented to harbor more than 12 different infectious agents, thus posing as a potential threat for food and medical industry. They are particularly annoying pests because they can build many nests and are attracted by both sweet and greasy things.
Signs of a Pharaoh Ant Infestation
Recognizing a Pharaoh ant infestation early on is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Below are the most common signs that you have an infestation in your home:
Sightings of Small Yellow Ants
Pharaoh ants are very small, measuring about 2mm in length. They are typically pale yellow or light brown with a darker abdomen. If you spot these ants trailing along walls, countertops, or bathroom surfaces, it’s likely you have an infestation.
Multiple Trails
Unlike other ants that follow a single trail to a food source, Pharaoh ants create multiple trails that often lead from their nests to food storage areas, waste bins, or damp places like kitchens and bathrooms. If you see a series of trails crisscrossing your home, Pharaoh ants are likely the culprits.
Nesting Sites
Pharaoh ants tend to nest in hard-to-reach, secluded areas that are warm and moist. Common nesting sites include wall voids, behind skirting boards, inside electrical outlets, and within the walls of appliances. If you spot these ants in unusual places, such as inside walls or behind furniture, it’s a clear sign of a Pharaoh ant colony.
Why Pharaoh Ants Are So Hard to Control
Pharaoh ants are so difficult to control because of their peculiar habits. One of the main reasons they’re difficult to get rid of is that they are able to bud. Rather than swarming like other kinds of ants, Pharaoh ants share more than one queen in each colony. If they sense danger, or their colony gets too big, the queens go to a new spot and begin a new colony. This behavior makes Pharaoh ants quite stubborn and can result in numerous infestations in your household before you even recognize an issue.
Furthermore, pharaoh ants also tend to build colonies in out-of-the-way areas, including behind walls, under large appliances, and within electrical outlets. These nests are hidden and this can destabilize the colony in the long run, as only the foraging worker ants are exposed, and most of the colony, such as the queens, remains untouched.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ants
Once you’ve identified a Pharaoh ant infestation, the next step is to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively eliminate these pests from your home:
Step 1: Identify and Remove Food Sources
Pharaoh ants are primarily attracted to sweet and greasy foods. The first step in elimination is to remove any potential food sources that might attract them. Start by thoroughly cleaning your kitchen, dining areas, and any other places where food is stored or consumed. Seal all food in airtight containers, clean up food crumbs, and wipe down surfaces to remove any food particles.
Step 2: Use Ant Baits Effectively
One of the most effective ways to get rid of Pharaoh ants is by using ant baits. The worker ants will carry the bait back to the colony, where it will be consumed by the entire colony, including the queens. This leads to the eventual elimination of the entire nest. To maximize effectiveness, place the baits along the ants’ trails and near suspected nesting sites.
Step 3: Avoid Spraying Insecticides
While it may be tempting to spray insecticides, this can actually make the problem worse. Insecticides often cause Pharaoh ants to “bud,” meaning the colony will split into smaller colonies and relocate to new areas of your home. Instead of using sprays, opt for non-repellent baits that allow the ants to carry the toxic bait back to the colony, where it will be shared with the entire nest.
Step 4: Seal Entry Points
Pharaoh ants can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Seal any potential entry points around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent new ants from entering your home. This will help to limit the infestation to the areas that are already affected.
Step 5: Maintain Cleanliness and Reduce Moisture
Regular cleanliness is essential in preventing Pharaoh ant infestations. Fix any leaks, reduce moisture levels, and ensure proper ventilation to make your home less appealing to ants. Clean up spills immediately and keep surfaces dry, especially in areas where Pharaoh ants are most likely to be found, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service
If you have tried each of the above steps and find that you are still battling Pharaoh ants, it’s probably time to contact a professional pest control service. Professional pest control service professionals utilize specialized tools and products not available to the average homeowner. They'll also find and eliminate covert nests you might not have stumbled upon, offering a longer-term fix to your Pharaoh ant problem.
Conclusion
Pharaoh ants are among the most challenging to control because of their unusual habits and their tendency to form several colonies, yet with persistence and the correct methods, you can eliminate them. With the natural life cycle in our prevention to get rid of them using this guide of finding food source, making baits, sealing all entry points from maximum cleanness, you can effectively kill Pharaoh ants in your home. But in case you still find yourself in need of help, feel free to call the experts in, to have them deal with the situation more aggressively.
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