Living on nearly every continent, there are over 12,000 different ant species found around the world. Most are experienced with these little insects and can recall receiving a little pinch when they are too close to food, the nest, or the queen. Ants are annoying problems when they choose to infest homes and business, as many colonies can have hundreds of thousands of members, their daily raids seem never ending. In California, there are quite a few ants, some more common than others. Pharaoh ants are not nearly as common as some other species, but worth mentioning to the locals who can deal with an infestation from time to time. With that in mind, we at Animal Pest Management Services would like to briefly elaborate on the basics of Pharaoh Ants.
Where Do Pharaoh Ants Come From?
Pharaoh ant’s origins are unknown, making them an intriguing mystery to many scientists. These ants are among the smaller species and average less than an 8th of an inch long. They are nearly transparent but have a tinge of yellow or light brown primarily and typically feature red and black markings on the abdomen. Pharaoh ants can be a potential nuisance anywhere but have a tendency to be a bigger problem inside hospitals.
Pharaoh Ant Nests
These ants take advantage of artificial heating in buildings in order to survive the winter. Commonly nesting in well hidden, protected places in the building. Often nesting in well hidden, protected places in the building, Pharaoh ants are generally found in the food service area. However, when they stay outside, they prefer warmer areas such as gardens and lawns. Throughout all hours of the day, pharaoh ants are well-noted as these tiny amber-colored workers foraging along surfaces. These ants are most likely to nest in or close to the kitchen to conveniently find the favorable sweet foods. Considering this, pharaoh ants will often build their nest in refrigerator insulation, as well as cabinet voids, the hollows of curtain rods, walls, and the folds of clothes, in addition to in between sheets and paper as well as in other undisturbed dark spaces. As they follow the pheromone trails along baseboards and window sills along with on along plumbing and electrical wiring, people frequently see pharaoh ants marching throughout the home foraging for food.
What Do Pharaoh Ants Eat?
Eating nearly anything in sight, including fats, proteins, insects both living and dead, and being partial to sweets, Pharaoh ants are omnivores. Pharaoh ants are polygynous, meaning they have multiple queens. The females’ live from 4-12 months and they will lay up to 400 eggs in their life. Worker ants will live about 10 weeks from adulthood, and it generally takes 28 days for an egg to go through the life stages until it reaches an adult.
Ant Pest Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
As mentioned, pharaoh ants are a particular problem for hospitals due to the diseases they can spread on otherwise sterile equipment and rooms. These ants will thrive under the worst conditions with their complex buddy-colonies system and are very adaptable. Because of their keen senses and survival abilities, Pharaoh ants can be a challenge to get rid of without professional control. When you suspect Pharaoh ants, or any other ants and pests, call Animal Pest Management Services and let help you eliminate them.
