Pharoah Ants
The Pharaoh ant is a small ant, measuring from 1/16th to 1/12th an inch in size. The workers are all one size (monomorphic). The Pharaoh ants color varies from golden yellow to reddish. Pharaoh ants originated in and derive from the tropics, meaning they can not survive outside in the East Coast year round.
Order/Family
Hymenoptera/Formicidae
Scientific Name
Monomorium Pharaonis
Biology
Females mate and procreate in the nest, and new colonies are formed by “budding.” Budding means that part of the main colony moves to a new location, and there can be up to hundreds of thousands of ants in one colony.
A female produces 350-400 eggs in her lifetime. The entire life cycle is completed in 38 to 45 days. The life span of workers is approximately nine to ten weeks, and queens live four to twelve months.
Behavior
Pharaoh ants nest in a wide variety of locations within a structure, and are very difficult to control and locate. However, it is useful to look near sources of water and food. They typically nest in warm, hard to reach areas such as walls, splash boards of kitchen counter tops and in wall sockets.
Pharaoh ants prefer meats or greases, but will also feed on sugar syrups and jellies.
Control
Pharaoh ants must be treated by using protein and sugar baits placed as close as possible to the nest areas. It is very important not to use any insecticide sprays or dusts as this will stress the colony – causing it to split and spread, and aggravating the problem.
Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?
Call A to Z Pest Control 1-844-ATOZPEST or email us at service@atozpest.com.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the largest of all ant species, ranging from 1/8 to ½ inch long, with slightly larger sized queens. Carpenter ants are typically black in color, but some species can be found in red and black, solid red, or brown.
Order/Family
Hymenoptera
Scientific Name
Camponotus spp.
Biology
Adult winged females lose their wings soon after mating, and all worker carpenter ants are wingless. Mature colonies range in size from several thousand workers, up to 10,000 – 15,000. Black carpenter ants complete their life cycle in roughly 60 days.
Behavior
Carpenter ants are social insects that are usually discovered nesting in wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but do excavate galleries for their nesting areas. Carpenter ants actively feed at night and the early morning hours, preferring to feed on sugar solutions.
Control
It is recommended that any decaying or piles of wood should be removed from the property. All food items should be stored in sealed containers. Any food spills should be cleaned up immediately. Because it is a difficult task to locate and provide treatment for carpenter ants, it is recommended to contact a pest control company to assist in eliminating this problem.?
Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?
Call A to Z Pest Control at 1-844-ATOZPEST or email us at service@atozpest.com.