Pharaoh Ants

Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus)

Description

Pharaoh ants get their name from the mistaken belief that they were one of the plagues of Egypt during the time of Pharaohs. This species is thought to be native to Africa, but is currently found throughout the Unites States.

Habits

Colonies of Pharaoh ants tend to be large, with workers numbering in the thousands. If disturbed, members of the colony will migrate to new locations to establish several new colonies through a process called budding.

Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of food sources including sweets, oils and proteins. They will also eat other dead insects.

Threats

Pharaoh ants have been implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are notorious for being a major nuisance in hospitals where they can enter wounds, enter IV bottles and can sometimes even seek moisture from the mouths of sleeping patients.

Color : Body usually pale, varying from yellowish to reddish with abdomen often darker to black

Legs : 6

Shape : Monomorphic with segmented body

Size : 1/16” (1.5 – 2.0 mm)

Antennae : Yes

Habitat

Pharaoh ants are commonly found in commercial food handling establishments such as hotels, grocery stores and hospitals. Inside, they nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Nests are usually located in inaccessible areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, in furniture and under floors. These ants often use electrical and telephone wires as a highway system to travel through walls and between floorboards.

Outside, Pharaoh ants are typically found in shaded areas or under debris. They cannot survive outdoors year-round in the northern regions of the country.

Prevention

Seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows.
Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs.
Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
Eliminate sources of standing water outside and use a dehumidifier indoors to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house.
Consider working with a pest professional to employ a preventative pest management plan.