Ant Infestation, Ant exterminator, Ant extermination, Pest Control in London

Pharoah’s Ants

Features/Biology

Pharaoh’s ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny ants, only 2mm long and yellow in colour, which are of tropical origin. They live primarily indoors as they prefer a warm habitat.

History

It is believed they arrived into the UK from North Africa during the war, when the soldiers returned wounded, with pharaohs ants in their clothing and bandages. This may explain why several hospitals suffer from persistent infestations.

Problems/Risks

Pharaoh’s ants are notoriously difficult to eradicate, as spraying with conventional insecticides actually exacerbates the problem, as pharaohs ants will split up and create several new colonies if their nest is sprayed. i.e. In contrast to garden ants, pharaohs worker ants have the ability to create a new queen if they cannot return to their original nest.

Recommended Treatment

To control pharaohs ants requires a minimum of 3 treatments, as baiting with an insect growth regulator is necessary to prevent the ants from reproducing.