PHARAOH ANT IDENTIFICATION

(Monomorium pharaonis)

While pharaoh ants are believed to be from Africa, they have found their way into the United States. There is more than one queen in a colony of pharaoh ants, so they are able to move in and spread quickly. What do pharaoh ants look like? This small ant is a yellowish to reddish color. Their abdomen is often darker, almost black. They have 6 legs and antennae. When we say they’re small, we mean tiny! They are only about 1/16 of an inch long.

Pharaoh ant habits and behaviors

Ant colonies can have thousands of workers. Since there is more than one queen per colony, these ants can spread like wildfire, breaking into several smaller groups. They often travel along electrical and telephone wires. These ants like to eat sweets, proteins, and oils and will also eat other dead bugs. Pharaoh ants like warm, humid places and can often be found in stores, hospitals, and hotels. These ants travel inside looking for food because they are not able to survive outside year round.