
Pharaoh ant
Monomorium pharaonis
insectsHow to Identify
Pharaoh ants are tiny (1/16 inch long), light yellow to reddish-brown ants. They have a two-segmented waist and a stinger, though they rarely sting. These ants are known for their multiple queen colonies, making them difficult to eradicate.
Signs of Infestation
Look for trails of tiny, light-colored ants foraging for food, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike many ants, Pharaoh ants often nest in wall voids, behind appliances, and under floors, making infestations hard to pinpoint. You may also find them trailing along electrical wires or pipes.
Health Risks
Pharaoh ants can transmit diseases like Salmonella and Staphylococcus as they forage through unsanitary areas before entering homes. They are particularly problematic in hospitals and healthcare facilities, but can also contaminate food in Myrtle Beach homes. Their presence can also be a nuisance, causing stress and anxiety.
Our Treatment Method
MBPC uses specialized baiting systems designed to eliminate entire Pharaoh ant colonies, including multiple queens. Due to their nesting habits, sprays are typically ineffective and can worsen the problem by causing the colony to fragment. Our SC Department of Pesticide Regulation-licensed technicians will assess your Grand Strand property and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Prevention Tips
Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and pipes to prevent entry. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs, especially in kitchens and pantries. Regularly inspect under sinks and appliances for moisture buildup, which can attract Pharaoh ants to your Myrtle Beach home.
Habitat
Pharaoh ants thrive in warm, humid environments like those found along the South Carolina coast. They can nest in almost any concealed space, from wall voids to furniture, making them a common indoor pest in Myrtle Beach homes and businesses. They prefer areas near food and water sources.
Peak activity: Year-Round
Identification Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharaoh ant
Pharaoh ants have multiple queens in their colonies, so simply killing the visible ants won't solve the problem. If threatened, the colony will split into smaller groups, each with its own queen, making the infestation even harder to control in your Myrtle Beach home.
Pharaoh ants are attracted to food, water, and warm, sheltered nesting sites. They are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries where food and moisture are readily available. Even small spills or crumbs can attract them to your Grand Strand property.
While Pharaoh ants don't sting often, they can carry and transmit diseases like Salmonella and Staphylococcus. They can contaminate food and surfaces in your home, posing a health risk, especially to young children and the elderly in the Myrtle Beach area.
DIY treatments are generally ineffective against Pharaoh ants. Over-the-counter sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem worse. Professional baiting systems, like those used by MBPC, are the most effective way to eliminate entire colonies in your Myrtle Beach home.
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