Pharaoh Ant

Characteristics

• Very small ants with workers about 2 millimeters long
• Infest homes over the winter to avoid cold weather and survive well indoors
• If a colony is disturbed the population will spread and create multiple colonies

Pharaoh ants are often confused for thief ants. They are similar sized and both workers are yellowish in color. However Pharaoh ants scavenge for food instead of stealing it from other colonies. Their colonies contain many queens, over 100, and multiple colonies can occupy the same area without conflict. Colonies spread by budding in which several queens, workers and eggs will break off and form another colony. This is especially true when the colony is threatened, meaning that an attempt at eradicating these pests can easily make the problem worse. To ensure complete removal of these pests, please call a pest control professional.