Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)
Description: Pharaoh ants commonly called "sugar ants" are one of the smaller ant species. They range in length from 1/15" to 1/12th". Pharaoh ants are reddish brown in color to an almost light yellow.
Developmental Biology: Ants have a complete metamorphosis which consists of an egg, larva, pupa and adult. Ants live in colonies and are social insects. Colonies of ants usually have three castes for the division of labor: workers, reproductive females (queens), and reproductive males. The workers are sterile females and the only job of the males in the colony is to inseminate the queens.
General Behavior: Because of their size, pharaoh ants can travel almost anywhere. These ants travel away from the nest in search of food. Workers are commonly seen trailing along counters, window sills, in bathrooms. They mark these trails with pheromones. Pharaoh ants commonly infest homes, grocery stores, even hospitals. A process known as "budding" occur when stress is placed on the colony-ex: spraying an over the counter can of insecticide on the ants. This causes the ants to break off into sub-colonies and relocate to different areas of the building. Thus, expanding the colonies to control.
Method of Infestation: Pharaoh ants will nest and forage outside especially in warmer climates. Planting areas, perimeter of buildings are just two areas in which the ants harbor. They then will make their way into structures via any small cracks or crevices. They can also be transported from the grocery store to your home-ex: dog food.
Management: First, an inspection of each area in which the ants have been seen. Next, a treatment plan includes a bait that is applied so that the ants will take it back to the nest. This will eventually make it back to the queen. A regular service plan is essential for control.