About Pharaoh Ants

The diet of pharaoh ants is comprised of a wide range of foods. They particularly like protein and sugar sources. Pharaoh ants also feed on dead and live animals.

They are suspected to be natives of Africa and more suited to the tropics. They are widely distributed across the US. The population of pharaoh ants is particularly established in the warmer areas of the US. It is noteworthy that pharaoh ants are more suited to outdoor living in the southern latitudes. In the northern latitudes, they could infest heated buildings and establish large colonies. Pharaoh ants are particularly regarded as common household ants that are difficult to control.

Pharaoh ants are particularly drawn to warm areas and create their nests in these areas. They can also adapt to diverse areas and are known for the creation of well-hidden nests. They live in large colonies and create nests in shaded areas. They also create nests under debris. Pharaoh ants may move to new areas when their colonies become too large or when they are disturbed. When outdoor environments become uncomfortable for them, especially in the northern climates, they move into buildings.

The ants infest different kinds of buildings, including homes, hospitals, and hotels. When they nest outdoors, they stick to open spaces such as lawns and gardens. As insects that are drawn to moisture, they nest outside buildings with a constant supply of water, or sprinkler systems. Within homes, pharaoh ants are found close to sources of water such as sinks, toilets, drains, and countertops.

Pharaoh ants are not known to be swarmer’s. Mating typically occurs within the nests. The queen then lays eggs in batches, which hatch into the young insects. It takes about 40 days for pharaoh ants to hatch out of eggs. They are a highly persistent species which create daughter colonies out of established colonies.