Pest Facts: Pharaoh Ants
Description
This ant gets its name from its origin of the Middle East. These tiny insects range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-twelfth of an inch long. They may also be commonly called sugar ants.
Pest Facts
- Color: Golden yellow to red, with black markings on top of abdomen
- Legs: Six
- Shape: Segmented; oval, small
- Size: 1/16-1/12 inch
- Antennae: Yes
- Flying: Winged swarmers
- Region: All 50 states
Habits
Pharaoh ants have a strong preference for sweets and fatty foods. They are a very common pest in homes and commercial structures.
Habitat
Typically nest in warm, moist areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Colonies can be quite large with many queens.
Threats
A stinger is present but rarely sting.
Prevention
Eliminate standing water. Pests such as Pharaoh ants are attracted to moisture. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Ants like to build nests in stacks of wood.
