Understanding the type of ant you are dealing with is the first step for effective pest control for ants. Pharaoh ants are small (about 1/16 inch long). Their color ranges from yellow to red with black markings on their abdomen. They are classified as indoor nuisance pests because they do not bite or cause structural damage to your house or business. A report by NDTV provided some of the important information referenced in this article.
They like to colonize in warm moist areas that are hard to reach. Mature colonies have several queens, males with wings, workers, larvae, and pupae.
It takes about 45 days for an egg to grow into an adult. Their nests are hard to find. The queen can lay up to 400 eggs and usually live for 39 weeks while workers live up to only 10 weeks. The ants can be spotted in the following areas;
- Behind baseboards, cabinet and wall voids.
- Near water sources such as countertops, sinks, drains, and toilets.
- Workers can be seen trailing along windowsills.
- Between linens, books, and sheets of paper.
- Inside electrical sockets.
Most people assume that spraying is the best way to get Rid of ants. However, spraying repellents over any type of ants is a very ineffective method. Repellents only make the problem worse. They just scatter the ants and make them join other colonies thereby multiplying in number and adding your ant nightmare.
If you really have to use insecticides because of pets, health or children, go for non-repellent insecticides.
Non-repellent insecticides cannot be smelled or tasted making it hard for pharaoh ants to detect. This is another advantage of using non-repellent sprays you can combine with ant baits. Repellent sprays tend to contaminate the lures that are in the Bait making them detectable.
Baiting is the best way to eliminate an entire colony. Choosing an ant bait requires you to understand the nutritional needs of the colony. Pharaoh ants eat almost anything but their preferred food is protein
There are different types of baits. It could be liquid based or fine granular bait. The worker ants take the bait home to feed the queen, other nest workers, and brood.
This way, you get to take care of your ant problem completely by wiping out even the next generation.
Helpful ant baiting tips
- Use a slow-acting bait to kill the entire brood.
- Be sure to meet baiting needs by matching the ant's preferred diet.
- Remove any other food competition.
- Change bait if it proves ineffective. There are plenty of other varieties.
To prevent a recurrent pharaoh ant infestation episode;
- Seal all cracks and crevices.
- Cover pet foods.
- Fix leaking water taps.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Keep the house clean and neat.
