Serving RI, MA, CT, NH, VT & ME

(888) 258-3284

    Contact Us
pharaoh ant searching for food in a home

What are pharaoh ants?

Pharaoh ants are found throughout the entire United States and is generally thought to have originated from Africa. They are often found invading places that handle food including hotels, hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and restaurants. If pharaoh ants are disturbed or detect a toxic substance they will “bud” and establish new nesting areas in several different locations.

What do they look like?

Pharaoh ants live in very large colonies. Adult pharaoh ants are amber or yellowish color and have a dark brown or black abdomen. Adults grow to be about 1/16th of an inch in length.

Do pharaoh ants bite?

Pharaoh ants have the ability to bite, but it is usually not a concern except in cases of very large infestations.

Are pharaoh ants dangerous?

Yes, pharaoh ants are considered to be dangerous. Pharaoh ants carry and transmit a number of dangerous pathogens to people and pets. These pathogens include salmonella and Streptococcus. Pharaoh ants are particularly dangerous in hospitals contaminating patient wounds. In homes they contaminate food and introduce serious diseases to you and your family.

What are the signs of a pharaoh ant infestation?

Inside of homes and other buildings, pharaoh ants build their nests in warm, humid and secluded areas that are close to food and water sources. Behind wall voids, behind appliances, underneath floors, and in furniture are all common nesting places for pharaoh ants. Seeing the amber-colored ants foraging throughout your home, especially in kitchen areas is the most common sign of an infestation.

Why do I have a pharaoh ant problem?

Pharaoh ants often choose the inside of homes and buildings to live in because they provide them with a constant source of artificial heat to survive in throughout the entire year. They will also enter in and become a problem in homes that provide them with food sources. Pharaoh ants feed on other insects, oils, proteins, and sweets.

How do I get rid of pharaoh ants?

It is very difficult to eliminate an ant problem. A successful ant control program requires that the source of the infestation be found and the entire colony eliminated, including the queen. This requires professional assistance. If you have an ant control problem in Providence, Worcester, or elsewhere in New England, contact Big Blue Bug Solutions today.

Pharaoh ant prevention tips

Like other species of ants the best way to prevent pharaoh ants in your home is to have a professional pest service plan in place that identifies all perspective areas around your home that could serve as entry points. Eliminating all possible areas around your home that may allow them in or attract them to your home is the core of prevention. Sealing cracks in your home’s foundation, caulking gaps around windows and doors, installing door sweeps and repairing or replacing damaged insect screens in windows and doors will certainly slow these pests down. You can also be sure to keep secure lids on outdoor trash cans. Inside of your home if you make a habit of quickly cleaning up crumbs and spills, not leaving dirty dishes in your sink overnight, and picking up uneaten pet food you are also removing ant temptations.

Related blogs

Ant-Free Living In Augusta: Unlocking The Secrets To Successful Ant Removal

Read Full Article

The Ultimate Guide To Successful Ant Removal In Portland

Read Full Article

Live Answering 365 Days

We're available every day, all day,
365 days a year.

24/7 live answering service