Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Pharaoh Ants were named from the mistaken belief that they were one of the plagues of Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs. This ant species has been strongly implicated as a disease vector for many pathogens.

Description: Pharaoh Ants range in size from 1/16" to 1/8" long. Their color varies from pale yellow to red, with a dark abdomen. They have a stinger present.

Biology: Pharaoh Ant colonies are quite large and can number up to several hundred thousand workers. There can also be several hundred reproductive females in a large colony. Development time from egg to adult is approximately 38 days.

Habits: Pharaoh Ants nest in wall voids, under floors, behind baseboards and in furniture. They have even been found nesting in-between unused linens. The workers establish trails from the nesting site to locate food and water, and often use wires within walls as a "highway-system" to travel from room to room and to reach different floors. Pharaoh Ants will "bud" a new nest if their trail is broken. These ants are a common problem in hospitals where they can enter a patient's wound. They are also prevalent in food handling establishments such as grocery stores and hotels.