​PHAROAH ANTS
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Tiny Terror: Why the Pharaoh Ant is a Massive Pest Problem
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These are not your average backyard ants. The Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) is a notoriously persistent and problematic indoor pest found worldwide. Don't let their small size fool you—they pose a significant challenge for homeowners, businesses, and even hospitals.
What Makes Them Such a Menace?
Pharaoh ants are tiny—workers are only about 1.5 to 2 millimetres (1/16th of an inch) long, light yellow to reddish-brown with a darker abdomen. Their diminutive size, coupled with their unique habits, makes them incredibly difficult to eliminate.
1. The Budding Phenomenon
This is the number one reason they are so hard to control. Unlike many other ant species, Pharaoh ant colonies have multiple queens and, if they sense danger (such as from a repellent insecticide spray), they don't die off. Instead, the colony buds or fragments, splitting into several smaller colonies that quickly establish new nests elsewhere in your building. You end up with 10 problems when you only had 1!
2. Stealthy Nesting Habits
Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid, and well-protected areas. Their nests are often hidden in hard-to-reach places that you might never suspect:
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Behind baseboards and wall voids.
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In furniture or between linens.
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Behind large appliances or in electrical switch boxes.
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Near hot water pipes and heating elements.
Their tiny size means they can squeeze into the smallest of crevices.
3. Health and Contamination Risks
While they don't sting, Pharaoh ants are more than just a nuisance. They can contaminate food and sterile areas. Foraging ants travel through unsanitary locations like drains and trash containers before marching across your countertops and into food packaging. They are known to mechanically transmit pathogens that cause diseases such as Salmonella and dysentery. This makes them a particular concern in commercial kitchens, food-handling businesses, and especially hospitals.
Signs of an Infestation
The most common sign is the appearance of the tiny, amber-colored worker ants foraging in slow, steady trails. You'll often see them moving along baseboards, countertops, or cabinets, usually heading toward a food or water source.
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They are general feeders, attracted to a wide range of foods, including:
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Sweets and syrups
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Greasy and fatty foods
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Proteins (like pet food or dead insects)
Why DIY Spraying is NOT the Answer
If you see these ants, do not grab the bug spray! As mentioned, using a repellent spray will only cause the colony to bud and scatter, making your infestation much, much worse.
The Only Effective Control Method: Strategic Baiting​
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Use Pharaoh Ant-Specific Baits: The bait must be slow-acting and non-repellent, formulated to be carried back to the nest by the worker ants and fed to the queens and developing larvae. This process eliminates the entire colony, including the reproductive capacity, over time.
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Patience is Key: It can take several weeks or even months for a full treatment to be effective as new eggs continue to hatch.
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Professional Help is Recommended: Due to their tendency to hide nests and their budding behaviour, a serious Pharaoh ant infestation is best handled by a certified pest control professional who can identify and target all nesting sites and follow up as needed.
Prevention Tips
To make your home less inviting to these little invaders:
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Seal Foods: Keep all food, including pet food, in tightly sealed, airtight containers.
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Keep it Clean: Promptly clean up all spills and crumbs. Deep-clean areas where grease and food residue accumulate (like under appliances).
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Eliminate Moisture: Fix any leaky taps or plumbing, as they are drawn to warm, damp areas.
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Seal Entry Points: Caulk and seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around windows where they might enter or nest.
The Pharaoh Ant is a tiny pest with huge potential for trouble. Be vigilant, avoid spraying, and call in the experts if you suspect a serious infestation.
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