Pharaoh ants are tiny, yellow to reddish ants (~2mm) that live in large colonies with multiple queens, forming new colonies through a unique process called budding rather than mating flights. They are notorious pests in indoor environments, nesting in warm, inaccessible areas like wall voids and feeding on various substances, including food, moisture, and even medical supplies, carrying potential pathogens. Control is difficult due to their ability to establish colonies in many locations within a structure.  

Colony Structure & Reproduction

• Multiple Queens: Pharaoh ant colonies are polygynous, meaning they have many reproductive queens, which contributes to their invasiveness and rapid spread. 

• Budding: New colonies are formed by "budding," where a group of queens, workers, and brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae) leave the parent colony to establish a new one elsewhere. 

• No Mating Flights: Unlike many other ant species, pharaoh ants do not have aerial mating flights. Mating occurs within the nest. 

• Life Cycle: A queen can live for several months to a year and produces hundreds of eggs over her lifetime. The entire life cycle from egg to adult can take about 38-45 days under optimal conditions. 

Nesting & Habitat

• Warmth and Humidity: Pharaoh ants prefer warm (80-86°F) and humid environments for their nests. 

• Inaccessible Areas: They frequently nest in hidden, hard-to-reach locations such as wall voids, floor voids, electrical outlets, and even between linen sheets. 

• Continuous Breeding: In heated buildings, pharaoh ants can breed continuously throughout the year. 

Feeding Habits & Disease Transmission

• Omnivorous: They feed on a wide range of foods and sweet substances, as well as proteins and fats. 

• Contamination Risk: They are particularly concerning in hospitals, where they can contaminate food and sterile medical items, and have even been found in wounds and IV bags. 

• Pathogen Carriers: Pharaoh ants can carry pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus, on their bodies, contaminating surfaces and food. 

Pest Management Challenges

• Multiple Nests: The ability to form numerous nests through budding makes infestation detection and control difficult. 

• Difficult Access: Their tendency to nest in inaccessible areas requires thorough and complete treatment of all potential nesting sites within a structure. 

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