Pharaoh Ants
Monomorium pharaonis
| Danger | low |
|---|---|
| Category | Ants |
| Color | Body usually pale, varying from yellowish to reddish with abdomen often darker to black |
| Size | 1/16” (1.5 – 2.0 mm) |
| Legs | 6 |
| Antennae | Yes |
| Shape | Monomorphic with segmented body |
| Region | All |
Overview
Pharaoh ants get their name from the mistaken belief that they were one of the plagues of Egypt during the time of Pharaohs. This species is thought to be native to Africa, but is currently found throughout the Unites States.
Seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles. Eliminate sources of standing water outside and use a dehumidifier indoors to prevent moisture buildup. Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house. Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house. Consider working with a pest professional to employ a preventative pest management plan. Common Behaviors of Pharaoh Ants Colonies of Pharaoh ants tend to be large, with workers numbering in the thousands. If disturbed, members of the colony will migrate to new locations to establish several new colonies through a process called budding.
Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of food sources including sweets, oils and proteins. They will also eat other dead insects.
Pharaoh ants are commonly found in commercial food handling establishments such as hotels, grocery stores and hospitals. Inside, they nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Nests are usually located in inaccessible areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, in furniture and under floors. These ants often use electrical and telephone wires as a highway system to travel through walls and between floorboards.
Behavior & Habitat
Colonies of Pharaoh ants tend to be large, with workers numbering in the thousands. If disturbed, members of the colony will migrate to new locations to establish several new colonies through a process called budding.
Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of food sources including sweets, oils and proteins. They will also eat other dead insects.
Are Pharaoh Ants Dangerous?
Pharaoh ants have been implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are notorious for being a major nuisance in hospitals where they can enter wounds, enter IV bottles and can sometimes even seek moisture from the mouths of sleeping patients.
Prevention & Control
If you suspect a Pharaoh ant infestation in your home, the best course of action is to contact a licensed pest control professional . They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate control measures can be taken.
You can find a certified pest professional near you with the helpful zip code search below.
Did you know ants can lift 10-50 times their body weight? Read some more fun and interesting facts about types of ants. Find out how to prevent an ant infestation in your home with these six simple tips. Read this 101 article to identify the type of ants in your house - from Argentine ants to odorous ants to crazy ants. Identify Pests Pest Control Tips About Commercial Services Find A Pest Pro Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Map Brought to you by
Not sure this is your pest? Upload a photo for AI identification → · Find local pest control services →
Common questions about Pharaoh Ants
Are Pharaoh Ants dangerous?
Pharaoh ants have been implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are notorious for being a major nuisance in hospitals where they can enter wounds, enter IV bottles and can sometimes even seek moisture fr
How do I get rid of Pharaoh Ants?
If you suspect a Pharaoh ant infestation in your home, the best course of action is to contact a licensed pest control professional . They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate con
Related Ants
Vendors for Ants
Vendors below are matched from the pest category and service specialties. Use country, ZIP / postal, city, branch, or service filters to narrow results.
- ·
| Vendor | Score | Country | Reputation | Website | Telephone | ZIP / postal coverage | Good at | Certifications | Branch count | Quality / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Home & Commercial Services | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (281) 730-9500 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Ants, Cockroaches, Rodents, Mosquitoes, Lawn |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1949; 8 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Abell Pest Control | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (888) 560-2056 |
Brampton, ON, Hamilton, ON, Gatineau, QC |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Cockroaches, Bed bugs, Ants, Ticks, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
3 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1924; 8 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Amco Ranger Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (636) 928-3084 |
Chesterfield, MO, Lake St. Louis, MO, O'Fallon, MO, St. Charles, MO, St. Louis, MO, St. Peters, MO, Wentzville, MO |
Commercial, General pest, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools. |
|
| Arrow Exterminators | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (516) 593-7770 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Wildlife, Mosquitoes |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1964; 5 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Central Exterminating | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 966-7673 |
Madison Heights, MI, Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, Commercial, General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools; 8 service categories. |
|
| EcoChoice Termite & Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 323-7378 |
Framingham, MA, Leominster, MA, Springfield, MA, Worcester, MA, Bangor, ME, Portland, ME, Manchester, NH |
Commercial, General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Ticks, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; 8 service categories. |
|
| EcoShield Pest Solutions | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (888) 744-1284 |
Canoga Park, CA, Englewood Denver, CO, Tampa, FL, Annapolis Junction, MD, St. Louis Park, MN, Mount Laurel, NJ, Totowa, NJ, Westchester Plaza Elmsford Elmsford, NY, Norristown, PA, Dacoma Suite G Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, +3 more |
Residential, Commercial, Ants, Rodents, Mosquitoes, Organic, General pest |
- |
24 |
Score 5/5. 24 official branch records; official website branch evidence; 7 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Hawx | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (726) 202-0214 |
Phoenix, AZ |
Residential, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited |
14 |
Score 5/5. 14 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Insight Pest Solutions Alberta | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (587) 323-4844 |
Calgary, AB, Burnaby, BC, Bathurst, NB, Bedford, NS, Dartmouth, NS, Barrie, ON, Burlington, ON, Charlottetown, PE, Drummondville, QC |
Ants, Residential, Rodents, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
18 |
Score 5/5. 18 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Massey Services | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (770) 928-7275 |
United States |
Residential, Termites, Mosquitoes, Ants, Cockroaches, Lawn |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; operating since 1985; 6 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| North Shore Pest Detective | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (604) 434-7378 |
Burnaby, BC, Corporate Head Office, BC, Vancouver, BC |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, General pest, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
4 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 5 service categories. |
|
| Omega Termite & Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 257-3636 |
Alameda, Albany, Antioch, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Mateo, San Pablo, San Ramon, South San Francisco, Sunol, +2 more |
Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
14 |
Score 5/5. 14 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| Orkin | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (877) 819-5061 |
Alabama |
Residential, Commercial, Termites, Bed bugs, Rodents, Ants, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Food Safety |
1 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Food Safety; operating since 1901; 7 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Palmetto Exterminators | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 585-8019 |
Bluffton, SC, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, SC, Columbia, SC, Easley, SC, Greenville, SC, Irmo, SC, Murrells Inlet, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Summerville, SC, Walterboro, SC |
General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited |
11 |
Score 5/5. 11 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Pest Management Systems | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (910) 215-9700 |
Summerfield Oak Ridge, NC |
Bed bugs, Commercial, General pest, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
1 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools; 7 service categories. |
|
| Rentokil | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (630) 621-5997 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; operating since 1927; 5 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Rose Pest Solutions | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (260) 484-5589 |
Fort Wayne, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Kokomo, IN, Niles, IN, Madison Heights, MI |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, Commercial, Mosquitoes, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
12 |
Score 5/5. 12 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; 9 service categories. |
|
| Terminix | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (334) 260-7670 |
Auburn, AL, Birmingham, AL, Dothan, AL, Homewood, AL, Irondale, AL, Madison, AL, Mobile, AL, Montgomery, AL, Northport, AL, Summerdale, AL, Theodore, AL, Batesville, AR, +512 more |
Residential, Commercial, Termites, Bed bugs, Rodents, Ants, Cockroaches, Organic, Ticks |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
619 |
Score 5/5. 619 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; operating since 1927; 9 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| The Bug Master | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (512) 714-2341 |
Austin, TX, Belton, TX, Buda, TX, Cameron, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Copperas Cove, TX, Cypress, TX, Driftwood, TX, Georgetown, TX, Gruene, TX |
Ants, Cockroaches, General pest, Mosquitoes, Organic, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
10 |
Score 5/5. 10 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 8 service categories. |
|
| Thrasher Termite & Pest Control of So Cal | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (619) 349-8969 |
San Diego, CA |
Ants, Residential, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited, Public Health, Green Pro |
9 |
Score 5/5. 9 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Public Health, Green Pro. |
|
| Triangle Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (919) 283-3205 |
Angier, NC, Apex, NC, Carrboro, NC, Cary, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Clayton, NC, Durham, NC, Garner, NC |
Ants, General pest, Organic, Residential, Rodents, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
9 |
Score 5/5. 9 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 6 service categories. |
|
| Creature Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 441-1519 |
Ann Arbor, MI, Auburn Hills, MI, Brighton, MI, Farmington Hills, MI, Gregory, MI, Jackson, MI, Lansing, MI, Livingston County, MI, Oakland County, MI, Washtenaw County, MI |
Wildlife, Rodents, Residential, General pest |
- |
10 |
Score 4/5. 10 official branch records; official website branch evidence; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Ehrlich Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (855) 963-6202 |
New York, NY |
Commercial, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
1 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Jackson Pest Management | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (260) 747-9772 |
Archive.Html, Index.Html |
Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Knockout Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 244-7378 |
Uniondale, NY |
Commercial, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| Mares Exterminating | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (757) 485-5005 |
Suffolk, Williamsburg |
General pest, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
2 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Moxie Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (469) 545-2160 |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches, Mosquitoes, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 4/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; 5 service categories. |
|
| Nozzle Nolen | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 226-6536 |
Boca Raton, FL, Lake Worth, FL, Port St Lucie, FL, West Palm Beach, FL |
Commercial, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
4 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| ProSource Pest Solutions | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (203) 405-9856 |
Waterbury, CT |
Residential, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
4 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Springer Professional Home Services | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (515) 262-9229 |
Des Moines, IA |
Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
1 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Varment Guard Wildlife Services | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 793-8169 |
Lima, Mankato, MN, Rochester, MN |
Residential, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Viking Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (732) 356-3100 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
0 |
Score 4/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 5 service categories. |
|
| Presto-X Pest Control (Rentokil) | 3 / 5 | United States | 3 / 5 | (985) 626-7378 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 3/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Solidified Pest Control | 3 / 5 | United States | 3 / 5 | (866) 614-6762 |
Ann Arbor, MI, Livonia, MI |
Residential, Ants, Rodents, General pest |
- |
2 |
Score 3/5. official website branch evidence; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Aptive Environmental | 2 / 5 | United States | 2 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches, Mosquitoes, Rodents, Ticks |
- |
0 |
Score 2/5. 6 service categories. |
|
| CJB Pest & Mosquito Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Mosquitoes, Termites |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Green Guard Pest Solutions | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Organic, Ants, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Guardian Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Pest EZ | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Precision Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Termites |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Superior Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Wingman Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Mosquitoes |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |