Pharaoh Ants

What do Pharaoh ants look like? 

At 1/16 of an inch, Pharaoh ants are tiny and may be hard to spot when only a couple are present. But you’re not likely to see only a few Pharaoh ants. These ants can enter structures in huge numbers. You may identify them by their coloration, which makes them look a bit like tiny exclamation points. The bodies and parts of the abdomens of Pharaoh ants are yellowish to light reddish, while the ends of their abdomens are dark to black.

Where do Pharaoh ants nest?

When it comes to nesting, only some ants can compete with the adaptability and versatility of Pharaoh ants. These ants are known to make nests in the following places:

• Underneath rocks and stones
• Inside rotted logs or tree stumps
• Under leaf litter
• In the soil around tree roots
• In tree or plant cavities
• Inside wall and floor voids
• Inside cabinets
• Around appliances
• Between cardboard scraps
• Between the pages of books
• In the folds of linen or clothing
• In electrical outlets or fuse boxes
• Inside electronic devices

These ants live in some very unusual places and hide in even more unusual areas, such as underneath the bandages on a wound. In hospitals, they are considered a serious pest problem. 

Do Pharaoh ants infest electrical equipment?

Yes. As we pointed out, Pharaoh ants often nest in electrical outlets, fuse boxes, and electronic devices. Malfunctions are common when Pharaoh ants infest structures and automobiles. 

What attracts Pharaoh ants?

Many factors can attract Pharaoh ants, including the following:

• ‍Food: Pharaoh ants eat sweets, oils, and proteins. They can find sweet natural food sources, such as nectar in flowers and honeydew on plants, but they tend to eat sweet human foods because they prefer to live indoors. They live and thrive near ovens, feeding on oil and grease. 
• ‍Moisture: Pharaoh ants need moisture and will attempt to live near even the smallest water sources. Bathrooms are common locations frequented by these ants. They drink the droplets of water in tubs, showers, and sinks.
• ‍Warmth: Pharaoh ants prefer warm zones and will often live near hot water pipes and other things that give off heat. Their preferred temperatures are between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are Pharaoh ants harmful?

Yes. Pharaoh ants are harmful—but not directly. They don’t bite or sting. The issue with these ants is that they are an efficient vector for disease-causing microorganisms due to their attraction to decaying organic material and their propensity to get into tight, protected spaces.

• They commonly pick up harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. These bacteria can contaminate foods, surfaces, medical equipment, wounds, and more.
• They are particularly troublesome in medical environments and have infested IV bags, medical equipment, and sterile medical supplies.
• Their presence in kitchens and pantries creates a risk for food poisoning when these ants get into food packaging and spread their harmful bacteria. 
• They can create several colonies of interconnected nests containing thousands of ants. 
• Their presence inside outlets, boxes, and electrical equipment can lead to expensive repairs or equipment replacement.
• Pharaoh ants are often costly pests to eliminate, causing financial harm to home and business owners.  

It is essential to get professional control to address a Pharaoh ant infestation. 

How can I get rid of Pharaoh ants?

If you've found Pharaoh ants or any other ants in or around your home, contact got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for assistance. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers home pest control services in Atlanta that will eliminate these nuisance and potentially harmful pests.

How can you prevent Pharaoh ants?

There are many ways you may prevent Pharaoh ants from coming indoors. Here are some suggestions:

• Inspect your property, locate potential entry points, and seal them with expanding foam or caulking material.
• Replace weatherstripping and door sweeps where needed.
• Make sure vents are protected.
• Patch or replace damaged screens.
• Repair plumbing issues to avoid water problems that can attract these ants.
• Clear out gutter clogs and repair your gutter system to reduce moisture near your exterior.
• Trim vegetation away from your exterior.
• Water landscape plants in the early morning.
• Address weeds.
• Address aphids.
• Keep trash receptacles clean and covered. Remove trash routinely.
• Keep all interior spaces clean.
• Protect food by putting items in sealed containers.
• Repair leaking faucets.

Keep in mind that Pharaoh ant colonies are prone to budding. Their colonies have multiple queens and are prone to breaking apart and spreading. The best way to get rid of Pharaoh ants and keep them out is to have a trained pest management professional apply trusted control strategies. Contact us today to learn more or to find out about treatment options and available pest plans.