Biology and behaviour 

Pharaoh’s ants probably originated in North Africa but are widely found throughout the British Isles, usually in hospitals, prisons, but are increasingly being found in domestic properties and blocks of flats they are generally not found outdoors. 

The ant may carry disease organisms and can penetrate and contaminate foodstuffs and sterile dressings due to its small size.  The ant can rapidly infest large buildings due to its reproductive rate, unlike the black ant pharaohs ant colonies can have many queens and can split into sub colonies extending the infestation to other areas. It can also be transported from one property to another.  

What do they look like? 

• Transparent yellow/orange in colour  
• 2mm in length approx  
• Black eyes  

Signs to look for: 

• The most obvious signs of pharaoh’s ants are the trailing ant patterns sometimes resembling moving veins on the walls of a property.   
• Pharaohs ants can sometimes be found trailing to & from pet foods or bins as they may use this as a food source  

 Control 

• Insect growth regulators are usually the most effective way to treat pharaoh’s ants and can take some time to reach a level of control. The use of traditional insecticides can also encourage the spread of the ants as they will avoid treated areas. 
• Good hygiene and housekeeping are essential for treatments to be effective as alternative foods will distract them from ant baits. 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label