How to get rid of pharaoh ants
Pharaoh ants can be notoriously difficult to control and commonly invade high rise buildings, offices and hospitals causing nuisance and impacting everyday life.
Find out how to get rid of pharaoh ants and prevent future infestations.
What are pharaoh ants?
Pharaoh ants are tropical small yellow / light brown, almost transparent ants that need the warmth of buildings to survive.
They feed on a wide variety of food sources, including sugars, fats and proteins.
How to get rid of pharaoh ants
Treating pharaoh ant infestations will require patience and perseverance but equipped with the right products effective control can be achieved.
1. Identify ant trails
Firstly, it is important to identify the ant trails as this will result in more accurate bait placement and better results.
You can identify ant trails by observing areas where you think there is high activity as the worker ants will form a visible path to the selected food source.
2. Place bait
The next step is to begin baiting along the already identified ant trails and areas of high activity.
We recommend using a protein based bait such as Biopren Pharaoh Ant Killer as this will increase your chances of eliminating the whole colony.
3. Replenish the bait
Pharaoh ants are persistent and it is important to frequently monitor your baited areas and replenish bait where necessary.
To replenish the bait simply follow the process above.
Tip: Switch the bait
You may suddenly notice that the bait you are placing is no longer being consumed.
Don’t be alarmed, this is common amongst pharaoh ants as they are known to get bored of a certain diet fast. If this does happen we recommend switching from Biopren to a sweeter alternative such as the Imidasect Pharaoh Ant Gel Bait.
This will help freshen your approach and resume feeding. If baiting stops then switch back to Biopren and repeat this switch.
How to prevent pharaoh ants
Preventing a pharaoh ant infestation will require proactive monitoring to eliminate potential nesting sites. To prevent pharaoh ants:- Ensure common entry points are sealed up, check for gaps and cracks around windows and doors.
- Maintain general cleanliness in and around your property by regularly emptying bins, wiping down surfaces which may be greasy and sticky, and promptly clean up any food crumbs or spills.
- Reduce high moistures areas in your home by fixing any leaks in utility rooms, kitchens and bathrooms and ensuring these rooms are well ventilated.
Are pharaoh ants dangerous?
Yes, pharaoh ants are considered to be dangerous. They carry and transmit a number of dangerous pathogens to people and pets.
They are even more dangerous if they infest hospitals and enter wounds or contaminate bandages etc.
What do pharaoh ants eat?
Pharaoh ants can survive on a wide variety of food sources. They are capable of feeding on fat, simple proteins and sweet based substances.