Pharaoh's Ants

Pharaoh's Ant (Monomorium Pharaonis)

Originated in the North Africa/Mediterranean region, the Pharaoh's Ant will survive in centrally heated locations in temperate regions. Such exotic ants are known as tramp species. Infestations can be found in a wide variety of locations including hotels, hospitals, prisons, food handling premises, zoos, botanical gardens, and domestic properties especially high rise residential blocks.

Significance

Worker ants are a nuisance as they forage widely for food and water following scent marked trails. Although omnivorous they tend to prefer proteinaceous foods. They will feed on meat, cheese, fats, sugar, honey, jam, chocolate etc.

In hospitals Pharaoh's Ants will also feed on blood, intravenous diet fluids, the fluid associated with wounds and vomit. Dead insects, mice and mouse droppings can also provide food for the ants. Clothing and laundry may be infested.

Pharaoh's Ants pose a risk to health. Pathogenic organisms may be transmitted mechanically as the ants feed in unhygienic places including drains, refuse bins, wound dressings etc. Their ability to infest sterile supplies in hospitals is of particular concern.

The multi nesting behaviour of this species means that if one area of a building is infested, there is likelihood of extensive spread throughout the premises.

Look Out For:

• a trail of tiny ants approximately 2mm in length, barely visible to the naked eye;
• the ants need to drink water, so keep your eyes open for evidence around your bath, kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Contact Attack Pest Control to control your ant pest problem.

For more information on Pharaoh's Ants and the services Attack Pest Control provide, why not request a datasheet.