Pharaoh ants are named as such because it is believed that they originally migrated from Egypt. They measure hardly two millimeters long and are yellowish brown in color. These ants live in colonies of a few dozen or a few thousand residents. They enter homes through utility pipelines, ducts, tiny openings and cracks. Pharaoh ants can build nests in dark, isolated corners or other wooden structures. If they sense a predator trying to destroy their nest, they can quickly move to another location and build a new home. Parents and homeowners would certainly not want them in their homes.
Are pharaoh ants harmful to humans?
These ants do bite, but they do not pose any major health risks. If they’re not harmful, then why is it important to control Pharaoh ants in your home?
Why parents should prevent the spread of pharaoh ants in their homes
Although these ants are not directly harmful to humans, they are potential carriers of pathogens such as Streptococcus, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. They can be open invitations to diseases ranging from skin infections, diarrhea and pneumonia. Parents should ensure that their home is not colonized by these disease-ridden ants in order to keep your children and family healthy and illness-free. However, this is easier said than done.
What are common problems in killing pharaoh ants?
Treating a pharaoh ant infestation can be tricky. Because of their small size, these ants can quickly escape into tiniest of holes or cracks when attacked. Second, they can sense insecticides and can rapidly relocate before the chemicals are employed.
Due to the complexities involved, it is highly recommended that you contract such jobs to professionals for effective results. While carrying out ant elimination, make sure that the entire home is treated, not just problem areas, so that all possible hideouts are rendered uninhabitable for the ants. There are three ways by which Pharaoh ants can be controlled.
Sealing the entry and exit points
You can try sealing the cracks, holes, and openings in the home, which are easy escape paths for these ants when attacked. However, locating all potential cracks in the house and sealing them is a Herculean task.
Insecticide treatment
As an easier alternative, insecticides can be sprayed on ant nests. However, these ants can sense the use of such chemicals and will likely escape, rendering the insecticide useless. In addition, choosing a safe and effective insecticide can be difficult.
Ant baits
There are two ways to use ant baits. Insect growth regulators or IGRs can be mixed with edible substances and spread all over the home. The IGR will sterilize the queen ants and prevent the growth of colonies. Unfortunately, this method will take weeks or months to yield results. Alternatively, natural substances such as boric acid, baking soda, vinegar, and Diatomaceous earth can be used to make baits.
Getting rid of Pharaoh ants from your home is not a typical DIY job. Regardless of the option selected, it needs comprehensive coverage by professionals with knowledge of ant behavior. For effective control, opt for professional help.
