Ants can feel like they're everywhere. You see them in your backyard, at the beach, in your kitchen, and anywhere else you look. One of the common species of ants that you will see in Ocean Isle Beach is the Pharaoh ant. Pharaoh ants are a species native to Africa, now found in the U.S. as well, that got their unique name from the myth that they were one of the plagues that came down in Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs.
Pharaoh ants are pale and can vary in color from yellow to red with an abdomen that is often darker black. They nest in large colonies that can number in the thousands. They are commonly found in warm, humid areas near food sources like in the hollows of kitchen walls, behind baseboards, in furniture, and under floors.
These ants are not known to bite, but they are still dangerous. They are known to spread a variety of pathogens including salmonella and streptococcus. They are particularly dangerous in hospitals and other healthcare facilities where they have been found to enter open wounds and IV bags in search of food and moisture.
Why You Have Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are attracted to your home by the same things as many other ants. They prefer making their nests indoors and are drawn to structures that provide easy access to food and water sources. Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of sources, however they are most attracted to sweets and fatty foods. Other common food sources include oils, proteins, and dead insects. Moisture is another key factor that attracts pharaoh ants. They will favor homes and areas that are humid or that have standing water, usually due to improper drainage or leaky pipes.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention
Pharaoh ants can be difficult to get rid of once they make their way into your home. The best thing you can do to eliminate a Pharaoh ant problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Keeping these disease-spreading pests out of your home is possible by following these tips:
- Seal points of entry into your home. This includes small cracks around doors and windows and any cracks or crevices in your walls or foundation.
- Keep your counters and floors clear of crumbs.
- If you spill food or drinks, clean the spill up quickly and thoroughly.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Take out your trash regularly, storing it in sealed bins.
- Eliminate water sources by removing standing water outside your home, fixing leaks, and using a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.
- Keep tree branches and shrubs neatly trimmed and away from your home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
When it comes to controlling Pharaoh ants and other species of ants, there is no substitute for professional pest control. At Jay Taylor Exterminating, we can develop a pest control plan that keeps your home protected from Pharaoh ants and other pests that may threaten it.
Getting Rid Of A Pharaoh Ant Infestation
If you are facing a Pharaoh ant infestation in your home, your best option is to seek help from a professional pest control company. Because of the size of Pharaoh ant colonies and where they make their nests, they can be impossible to get rid of without the proper tools and training.
Our trained pest control specialists know exactly where to look and what steps to take to quickly eliminate a Pharaoh ant infestation in your home. We can also help you develop a plan that keeps them from coming back, so you can live without fear of these annoying and dangerous pests in your home. Get in touch with us today!