Pharaoh Ant – Monomorium pharaonis

Identification

• golden yellow to red with darker markings down the back
• 1/12 inch in size

Nesting Habits

• wide variety of secluded places in cracks and crevices (countertops, baseboards, wall voids, under floors)
• prefer a warm and humid environment (e.g. near furnances, hot water pipes and heat ducts)
• more likely to nest indoors than other ants

Diet

• syrups, jellies, grease, cake, pet food, dead insects, toothpaste, soap and several other things most insects would not touch

Significance

• contaminate sweets and greases
• serious pest of dormitories, hospitals, schools, and apartments

IPM Recommendations:

• Control may be hard because nests can be difficult to find and there may be multiple nesting sites in the building.
• Use a bait specific to the pharaoh ant.