Pharaoh Ant

Pharoah Ants in Eastern Tennessee

Well known for being the most difficult household ant to control, Pharaoh ants are found throughout Eastern Tennessee. An invasive species, they outnumber and force out native ants in the area, like carpenter ants or harvester ants. When Pharaoh ant colonies are disturbed, they split off and form new colonies. Due to their splintering ability, Pharoah ants can spread quickly in homes and buildings, forming colonies with over 300,000 workers and multiple queens. Indoors, Pharaoh ants nest in any well-protected and hidden areas throughout a structure, preferring lawns and gardens outdoors.

Pharaoh Ant Habitat

Foraging twenty-four hours a day, Pharaoh ants feed on sweets, proteins, and live or dead insects. Attracted to moisture, they construct nests in shaded areas or under debris. In household structures, Pharaoh ant nests are often located in inaccessible spots near moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, under floors, and behind baseboards and or window sills. In institutional facilities, they invade kitchens, laundries, boiler rooms, and toilets, heating ducts, and pipes. Pharaoh ants can travel from room to room using electrical wires and plumbing pipes, which allow them to spread throughout a structure swiftly.

Pharaoh Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens, Pharaoh ants are known to spread salmonella and streptococcus. They are potentially dangerous in hospitals due to their ability to transmit disease organisms. Due to their tiny size, Pharaoh ants can access almost any space, contaminating food as they forage. Additionally, this species can survive most conventional household pest control treatments, establishing large colonies throughout a home or building. If a Pharaoh ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a licensed ant exterminator. 

Don’t wait until your home is overrun by ants. Contact Johnson Pest Control today!