Pharaoh’s Ant

This species of ant are highly successful at spreading due to their multi-queen colonies. With this trait, the colonies perform what is known as “satelliting”, allowing it to spread while creating multiple sub-colonies and nest sites. The species is also highly organised and intelligent--using various pheromones to communicate with one another.

The trait has made Pharaoh’s Ants a huge nuisance in urban environments and a major hazard in hospitals. This is because their small size has led to them crawling into medical instruments and even wounds. Some forms of pest control such as sprays are ineffective due to a colony’s ability to split only to regroup later.

Appearance

  • Workers 1.5–2mm long, yellow-brown with brown abdomen.
  • Black eyes, two small segments at the pedicel.

Habits

  • Able to comfortably reside in temperature controlled buildings
  • One of the most difficult indoor pests to control

Life Cycle

  • Multi-queen colony
  • Mating occurs within the nest
  • 38–45 days from egg to a fully mature adult

Signs of Infestation

  • Look out for ant nest, which usually appear like a small pile of soil or dirty
  • Regularly spotting individual ants in unconventional places, such as your bedroom or the bathroom

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