Found around the world, and living on nearly every continent, there are over 12,000 different ant species. When they are too close to food, the nest, or the queen, people are experienced with these little insects and can recall receiving a little pinch. As many colonies can have hundreds of thousands of members, ants can be an annoying problem as their daily raids seem never ending. There are quite a few ant’s species, some more common than others in California. Being worth mentioning to the locals who can deal with an infestation from time to time, Pharaoh ants are not nearly as common as some others. Today, we at Animal Pest Management would like to discuss of Pharaoh ants.

Pharoah Ant Identification

Making them an intriguing mystery to many scientists, Pharaoh ant’s origins are unknown. Averaging less than an eighth of an inch long, these ants are among the smaller species. Generally featuring red and black markings on the abdomen, these ants are nearly transparent but have a tinge of yellow or light brown primarily. As a potential nuisance anywhere, Pharaoh ants have a tendency to be a bigger problem inside hospitals.

What Do Pharaoh Ants Eat?

Pharaoh ants are omnivorous as they eat nearly anything in sight, including fats, proteins, insects both living and dead, and have partial to sweets. Meaning they have multiple queens Pharaoh ants are polygynous. They will lay up to 400 eggs in their life as the females’ lifespan from 4-12 months. It generally takes 28 days for an egg to go through the life stages until it reaches an adult and the worker ants will live about 10 weeks from adulthood.

Where Do Pharaoh Ants Live & Nest?

Pharaoh ants are well-noted as these tiny amber-colored workers foraging along surfaces throughout all hours of the day. To conveniently find the favorable sweet foods, these ants are most likely to nest in or close to the kitchen. In addition to the hollows of curtain rods, walls, and cabinet and the folds of clothes, voids, Pharaoh ants will often build their nest in refrigerator insulation. These ants will look for other undisturbed dark spaces as well as sheets and paper. Along with the plumbing and electrical wiring, Pharaoh ants follow the pheromone trails along baseboards and windowsills, people frequently see pharaoh ants marching throughout the home foraging for food.

Are Pharaoh Ants Dangerous?

Pharaoh ants are considered dangerous as they can carry and transmit a number of dangerous pathogens and serious diseases to people and pets including salmonella and Streptococcus as well as clostridium which may cause botulism. Pharaoh ants are particularly dangerous in hospitals contaminating patient wounds. In homes they contaminate food and introduce serious diseases to you and your family.

Ant Control & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California

Due to the diseases they can spread on otherwise sterile equipment and rooms, pharaoh ants are a particular problem for hospitals as mentioned. With their complex buddy-colonies system and being very adaptable these ants will thrive under the worst conditions. Pharaoh ants can be a challenge to get rid of without professional control because of their keen senses and survival abilities. Call Animal Pest Management and let us help you eliminate Pharaoh ants, or any other ants and pests.