Pharaoh ants live in minute multi-colonies and are very difficult to eradicate. Nests are usually located near warm moist areas, in inaccessible areas such as behind baseboards, in furniture, under floors, and between linens. Pharaoh ants can be a problem in commercial food-handling establishments, grocery stores, hospitals, and apartment complexes.

Questions & Answers

What do pharaoh ants look like?

Pharaoh ants are 1.5 mm in length and are yellow or light brown to red in colour. Their small size makes them difficult to see with visual inspection.

What do pharaoh ants eat?

They have a wide food preference ranging from syrups to fruits, pies, meats, and dead insects.

Do pharaoh ants spread disease?

Yes. In hospitals more than a dozen pathogenic bacteria have been found on pharaoh ants, because the ants may feed on and around the wounds of patients. In homes, they are attracted to foods such as sweets and meat, and may carry disease germs from one area to another.

Are pharaoh ants difficult to control?

Yes. Ant colonies are very large and may contain thousands to several hundred - thousand members. There are usually several hundred reproductive ants in these colonies, and if disturbed the colony may fragment "bud' to form several new nests. Care must be taken to ensure a thorough treatment is done so that budding doesn't occur.

What can I do to prevent an infestation of pharaoh ants?

Good housekeeping practices such as keeping foods in sealed containers and areas free of food spillage and crumbs will help prevent ants. Sealing of cracks and crevices where the ants may live will be helpful.
If I have an infestation of pharaoh ants what can I do to eliminate them?
Your local Abell Pest Control office has products developed for the control of ants. Depending on the severity of the infestation, a single control measure may not be effective and an integrated program conducted by an Abell service technician will be required.

Preparation Guidelines for a Pharaoh Ant Treatment

Step 1 - In order to achieve control, it may be necessary to treat all rooms of the home as well as outside. Please ensure that access is provided to all areas of the home.

Step 2 - Prior to service a thorough cleaning of the home should be conducted to remove all food sources for ants. Areas to clean would include food storage cupboards, floor areas throughout, behind refrigerators and stoves, etc.

Step 3 - The Abell service technician will utilize baits primarily for control. Bait and bait stations must be left where the technician places it to ensure control.

Step 4 - Before and after treatment please do not spray aerosol or other insecticides in areas of ant activity. Also avoid the use of cleaning chemicals in areas of activity. These products will contaminate the bait making it unattractive for control. These products will also cause distress in the ant population causing it to spread resulting in a more difficult control process.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help - please call your local Abell Pest Control office at 1-888-949-4949.