Pharaoh Ants in Georgia
Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are found throughout Georgia and are known for being one of the smallest species of ants in Georgia. Also known as tramp ants, this invasive species constructs transient colonies that splinter off and form new colonies when disturbed. These ants travel in set trails marching along carpets, countertops, and baseboards. Due to their splintering ability, Pharoah ant infestations can spread quickly in homes and buildings, forming colonies with over 300,000 workers and multiple queens.
What Do Pharaoh Ants Look Like?
Pharaoh ants are small, measuring just 1/16 inch in length. They are light yellow to reddish in color with translucent bodies and darker abdomens. Their antennae are segmented with a distinctive club shape at the end. Unlike some ant species, pharaoh ants do not have spines on their thorax, giving them a smooth appearance.
Signs of a Pharaoh Ant Infestation
Pharaoh ants typically leave visible trails along walls, baseboards, and countertops, often leading to food or water sources. Infestations usually involve multiple interconnected colonies spread across various areas of a building, making them difficult to eliminate.
These ants are drawn to sugary, greasy, and protein-rich foods, contaminating stored goods in kitchens or pantries. They can also be found in warm, humid environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and near water heaters. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service to address the issue and prevent further infestation.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Where Do Pharaoh Ants Live?
Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found in buildings such as homes, hospitals, and businesses. They tend to nest in hidden, sheltered areas like wall voids, under floors, inside cabinets, and near water sources.
Attracted to moisture, they will nest outside in shaded areas or under debris. In household structures, pharaoh ant nests are often located in inaccessible spots near moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, interior wall voids, under floors, and behind baseboards and or window sills. In institutional facilities, they are found in kitchens, laundries, boiler rooms, and around toilets, heating ducts, and pipes. They are known for their ability to infest difficult-to-reach areas, making them challenging to control without professional pest management.
Using electrical wires and plumbing pipes, pharaoh ants can travel from room to room, spreading throughout a structure quickly.
Diet
Foraging both day and night, pharoah ants are omnivores with a varied diet, primarily consuming sugary substances, proteins, and fats. They are especially attracted to sweet foods like syrup, fruit juices, and candy, but will also scavenge for grease, meat, and even dead insects. Their diverse feeding habits enable them to survive in a variety of environments, which is why they can infest kitchens, pantries, and trash areas in search of food.
Life Cycle
Pharaoh ants undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen lays eggs that hatch into larvae, which are then fed by worker ants. After several stages of development, the larvae pupate and eventually emerge as adult ants.
The process from egg to adult typically takes about 30 to 50 days. Pharaoh ants can establish multiple colonies within a building, and the queens can live for several years, continually reproducing. Their ability to create numerous interconnected colonies contributes to the difficulty of eliminating them once infested.
Behaviors
Pharaoh ants are known to form long foraging trails and communicate using pheromones to locate food sources. They are particularly active in warm, humid environments and may swarm in search of food.
Unlike other ant species, pharaoh ant behavior is relatively peaceful. These pests do not typically fight, allowing them to thrive near other ant colonies. Despite their calm demeanor, however, their ability to form multiple-queen colonies and invade hidden spaces makes them difficult to control.
Are Pharaoh Ants Dangerous?
Pharaoh ants are not directly harmful to humans in terms of bites or stings, as their stings are mild and rarely cause serious reactions. However, they can pose health risks by contaminating food and surfaces as they forage for sugary, greasy, and protein-rich substances.
Implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens, pharaoh ants are known to spread salmonella and streptococcus. They are potentially dangerous in hospitals due to their ability to transmit disease organisms. Due to their tiny size, pharaoh ants can access almost any space, contaminating food as they forage.
Additionally, this species can survive most conventional household pest control treatments, establishing large colonies throughout a home or building. If a pharaoh ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a licensed ant exterminator.
How to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ants
Eliminating a pharaoh ant infestation can be challenging due to their small size, ability to form multiple colonies, and tendency to hide in hard-to-reach areas.
For small-scale infestations, use specific ant baits that contain slow-acting poison. Worker ants carry the poison back to the colony, eliminating it over time. For large-scale, effective pharoah ant control, reach out to our experienced pest control professionals.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention Tips
Preventing a pharaoh ant infestation is much easier than dealing with an established one. To keep these pests at bay:
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and dining areas to remove crumbs and food residues that attract ants.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Ensure doors, windows, and foundations are properly sealed to prevent ants from entering your home.
- Proper Waste Management: Ensure trash cans are sealed tightly, and food waste is disposed of regularly.
- Monitor Ant Activity: Check for any signs of ant trails and nests. Early detection can prevent a small issue from becoming a larger infestation.
- Use Preventative Treatments: Consider using non-toxic ant repellents around entry points or applying an insect barrier to deter ants from entering your home.
Do You Have an Ant Infestation Problem? We Can Help
Don’t let ants disrupt your home or business. Our team at Active Pest Control specializes in identifying and eliminating ant infestations. From pharaoh ants to argentine ants, odorous house ants, and tawny crazy ants, we provide expert solutions to keep your home and business safe.
FAQs
Do pharaoh ants bite?
Pharaoh ants do not bite humans in a harmful way. While they have mandibles, their bites are mild and not painful. They are more of a nuisance due to their foraging and potential for spreading bacteria.
Are pharaoh ants invasive?
Yes, pharaoh ants are considered invasive. Originally native to tropical Africa, they have spread worldwide, particularly in warm indoor environments like homes and hospitals.
Do pharaoh ants die in winter?
Pharaoh ants do not die in winter. They thrive indoors in warm environments where food and moisture are available. Their adaptability to controlled indoor climates allows them to survive year-round.
Do pharaoh ants eat wood?
No, pharaoh ants do not eat wood. Their diet primarily consists of sugars, proteins, and fats. However, they may nest near wood or within wall voids for shelter.
Do pharaoh ants have wings?
Yes, pharaoh ants have wings during their reproductive phase. Winged males and females, known as swarmers, emerge to mate and establish new colonies. These winged ants are typically seen during swarming events.
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