More Pharaoh Ant Information
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Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
Key features
Monomorium pharaonis, or pharaoh's ants as they are commonly known, are a common species of ant that can be found in urban environments around the globe.
Monomorium pharaonis originated in Central and West Africa though has managed to spread over the last century mainly due to the increase in international trade, because of this it is known as a tramp species. It has now established itself as one of the premier ant pests in urban environments; this is mainly due to its biology, aspects of which it shares with two other tramp species that are also considered major pests. The main concern with these species is their potential as a vector for disease when hospitals are infested as well as the general nuisance factor.
The workers of this species of ant are only around 2 mm in length, with the queen being larger between 3 and 4 mm long, while the males are around 3 mm. The colouration of the workers is light yellow with a darkish abdomen. The characteristic of the Pharaoh's ant appearance is the double 'waist' known as the pedicel, which in fact constitutes the first segments of the abdomen.
Biology
Monomorium pharaonis is a highly polygynous species i.e. there are many queens within a single colony. Colonies are also polydomous (live in multiple nest sites) forming a network of trails between nests.
These two aspects of pharaoh's ant biology mean that colonies can reach mammoth proportions. Queens lay approximately 350 eggs. Larvae hatch after 2 weeks and are fed by workers.
After a number of skin changes pupation takes place. Full-grown ants hatch soon afterwards depending on temperature. Colonies are 50,000 to 1000,000 strong with many queens, workers and male pharaoh ants that make it so aptly adapted to living in urban environments as well as enabling it to extend to almost every corner of the globe.
Despite being a tropical species they manage very well in colder climates through the advent of central heating.
Control
The Control of Pharaoh ants is hard owing to their nesting in difficult to get to areas. Treatment should be thorough and complete at all nesting sites, as well as there foraging areas. Treatment must include walls, floor voids, ceilings and electrical wall outlets. Baits are the favoured method of control for Pharaoh ants and several baits /insecticides are for indoor ant control. A Pharaoh ant infestation of a multi family building requires treatment of the whole building to control the infestation. Using a perimeter barrier treatment may control ants nesting on the outside. Baits cannot be placed in just any position and be expected to work. Pharaoh ant trails and their resources must be located for proper placement of baits and effective control.
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