Pharaoh ants are tiny, light-colored ants with yellowish bodies and slightly darker abdomens. They grow to about 1/16th of an inch and have six legs and a pair of antennae.
The name "pharaoh ant" comes from the belief that they were one of the plagues in ancient Egypt during the time of the pharaohs.
Pharaoh ants can bite, but their bites are mild and rarely felt. They don’t bite frequently or aggressively.
While they’re not known for painful bites or stings, pharaoh ants pose a serious health risk due to their ability to spread diseases. These ants have been linked to several harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, streptococcus, and Staphylococcus.
A healthy person might be able to fight off an infection, but pharaoh ants often infest hospitals, where they spread bacteria to patients with weakened immune systems. They have even been found in IVs and open wounds, making them a significant threat in medical environments.
Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid areas near food and water sources. They nest in hidden, hard-to-reach places.
Pharaoh ants seek out warmth, moisture, and food. If your home has high humidity, moisture issues, or easily accessible food, they may invade. Open food containers, crumbs, and spills can also draw them inside.
Pharaoh ants live in massive colonies, so their presence is usually noticeable. You may spot them foraging in kitchens or pantries.
Sometimes, they remain hidden but cause problems by nesting inside electrical equipment. They travel along wiring, sometimes short-circuiting electronics like computers and gaming consoles.
DIY treatments often make pharaoh ant infestations worse. These ants perform a survival tactic called "budding," where disturbed colonies split into multiple new colonies. If you attempt to treat them yourself, you may end up with a bigger problem than before.
Professional pest control is the most effective solution. At Anti-Pesto, we specialize in identifying and treating pharaoh ant infestations. We even offer same-day service if you call before noon.
Reduce your risk of infestation with these prevention tips:
For year-round protection, consider preventative pest control from Anti-Pesto. Contact us today to keep pharaoh ants out of your home!
From the first contact call the staff was very professional, courteous and informative. We discussed the issues and set a plan with an appointment within a couple days. Shane, our technician, was very prompt and courteous. Very informative during the inspection process and strategically put a deterrent plan in place. I would highly recommend Anti-Pesto Bug Killers.
Jim J.
Largo, FL
We had a wasp infestation in our backyard shed. Anti-Pesto responded immediately and were out to our place within about two hours and took care of everything thoroughly. They will even follow-up again within two weeks to be sure that the problem does not recur. They are awesome!
Daniel Z.
Largo, FL
Amazing quality work. I’ve had a few pest control companies spray and ants would still enter our home and act as roommates. Sam Hurtado is our technician and he answers everything with knowledge and always brings quality work. Even if there was recent pest work they always arrange if I have issues. Thank you!!
Trish N.
Tampa, FL
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