Got Pharaoh Ants? Don't Spray!

In the pest control world we treat all sorts of ant infestations.  Of all the species commonly infesting structures occupied by humans, the Pharaoh Ant, Monomorium pharaonis, is probably the most difficult to control.  According to Washington State University, this tiny invader is a problem for humans all over the globe.  It can be found anywhere human populations are established.

 This species is an important public health concern as it is known to carry more than a dozen pathogenic organisms such as Staph, Strep and Salmonella.  Because it can transfer these disease organisms it is a serious threat when invades food storage areas or hospitals, more importantly burn units or rooms where I.V.'s are in use.

 With workers measuring only 1/16 of an inch, the two-node, honey-colored Pharaoh Ant is one of the smallest of ant species.  It is a species that is well adapted to living with humans.  On its website the University of Florida notes that the Pharaoh Ant, "doesn't nest outdoors except in southern latitudes."  It nests almost exclusively in human habitations.  Pharaoh Ants commonly nest underneath potted plants, between books, in stacks of paper, between linens that haven't been disturbed for a protracted period of time, inside the walls of a home or office building and other areas you wouldn't normally expect to find ant colonies nesting.  The nest may or may not be near a food source.  These ants will travel up to 115 feet from the nest to forage for food, which they bring back to the colony.  They will feed on a variety of foods from sugary sweets to their preferred foods, which are proteins & fats.

 Pharaoh Ants don't have mating flights like other species, instead mating takes place within the nest and, at an opportune time the colony will split (called budding), with each new colony going its own way and growing in numbers.  The colonies of this species typically have multiple queens, so budding may take place at any time of year.  It is this budding habit that makes these ants so difficult to control.  Attempts to treat for Pharaoh Ants by traditional spray treatments often succeed only in alarming the colonies, causing them to split (or bud) and multiply even faster, resulting in an even worse infestation than prior to treatment.  According to researchers at the University of Florida, the preferred method of treatment for this species is to use baits containing boric acid or another, slow-acting, non-repellant insecticide such as hydramethylon or sulfonamide.  Insect growth regulators (IGR's) may also be used in baits but control will be much slower since the action used is to cause failure of larval development into adults.  Baits should be placed on or very near active ant trails so they will be located quickly, be consumed by the foraging workers and taken back to the colony for its complete elimination.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pest-control-articles/got-pharaoh-ants-dont-spray-3738921.html

Harry Case is Sales and Marketing Manager for Pest Control Center, Inc. in California and is a licensed pest control "Field Representative."  He has been in the Structural Pest Control industry since May of 2005. Harry also has 16 & ½ years experience as a licensed Pest Control Operator in the related field of Landscape Pest and disease Control in the state of Washington.