Pharaoh Ant

Monomorium pharaonis

Color: Light brown

Size: 1.5 – 6 mm

Figure: Smooth skeleton with thin segmented body

Nutrition: Sugary foods, protein-based substances

Habitat: Worldwide

General Behavior

There are hundreds of thousands of workers in a colony with multiple queens.

When threatened, colonies split and recolonize.

They like moist and warm environments. They are adapted to cold weather.

They create visible trails when foraging for food and drink.

Threats

There is a risk of introducing pathogens and bacteria into food.

They are carriers of Staphylococcus and Salmonella diseases.

They are at risk of transmitting diseases as they occupy objects and materials.

They are very difficult to eradicate in case of infestation.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

The paths they create in their search for food are visible.

The sight of winged individuals indicates that the colony is expanding.

Living activity is seen in warm and humid environments.

Still being seen after cleaning and spraying indicates infestation.