How to identify and get rid of pharaoh ants

Have you ever wondered what the plagues in the Bible might have been like? Someone had an experience with some ants that was so bad that they thought they were living in one of the Egyptian curses. So, rightfully so, they named the ant a pharaoh ant.

Pharaoh ants are some of the worst indoor ant pests in the world. They have spread into every habitable environment on the planet and love to make their nests indoors. These little invaders are notorious for their ability to sneak into homes and set up shop before you even know they’re there. Known for their love of warmth and moisture, they can turn any cozy corner of your home into their new colony headquarters.

Pharaoh ants have long given homeowners and pest control technicians headaches. These ants can live in wall voids, electrical fixtures, and undisturbed locations. They are especially problematic in hospitals due to their ability to spread pathogens and diseases.

Pharaoh ants are identifiable by their small size and light yellow to red bodies with darker abdomens. Their thin waists have two bumps or nodes on them, and their antennae have clubs at the end. If you have food uncovered for a long period of time, there’s a good chance you’ll find pharaoh ants forming a trail from their new discovery.

How big are pharaoh ants?

They are typically 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.

They are common throughout the United States, particularly in hospitals, grocery stores, and other buildings where food and water are accessible.

Pharaoh ants prefer making their nests in warm buildings, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where moisture and food are available.

Pharaoh ants are one of the most difficult ant species to get rid of. One of the reasons is that they can quickly split or combine colonies if they get stressed or threatened. These smaller budding colonies can infest other areas and make control challenging.

However, there are a few things you can do to prevent and keep pharaoh ants from turning your home into their palace.

• Sanitation: Keep kitchen areas clean and free of food residues, especially sweets and fats.
• Eliminate moisture: Repair leaky faucets and pipes to reduce moisture.
• Physical barriers: Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and cabinets to prevent entry.
• Insect barrier spray: A non-repellent residual insecticide spray has been shown to keep pharaoh ants from establishing colonies in buildings. Pestie offers a DIY perimeter spray that uses pro-grade ingredients. In just a few minutes of spraying around your home, you can achieve a pest-free property without spending hundreds on professional pest control services.