Pharaoh Ants Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are one of the most difficult household ants to control in Tennessee homes. These tiny invaders can nest in hard-to-reach places like wall voids and behind baseboards, and are known for spreading diseases in sensitive environments like hospitals.- Size: About 1/16 inch long
- Color: Yellowish-reddish with hints of brown on the abdomen
- Shape: Small, slender body
- Active Season: Year-round (especially in heated structures)
- Lifespan: Queens live 4-12 months; workers 9-10 weeks
- Reproduction Rate: Colonies can split quickly when disturbed (budding)
What Do Pharaoh Ants Look Like?
Pharaoh ants are extremely small compared to other common household ants. Their yellowish-reddish coloration with brown abdomens makes them somewhat distinctive, though their tiny size can make identification challenging. Despite their name, they didn’t actually plague Ancient Egypt during the time of Pharaohs as once believed.
Key Identifying Features
- Size: At just 1/16 inch long, they are one of the smallest household ants
- Color: Distinctive yellowish-reddish bodies with brown abdomens
- Colony Behavior: Form multiple colonies that split when disturbed (budding)
- Movement Patterns: Use carpets, countertops, and cabinets as “highways” to travel through properties
Related Species
Other small household ants might be confused with Pharaoh ants, but Pharaoh ants are distinguished by their color and extremely small size. Unlike many other ant species, Pharaoh ants are particularly concerning because of their ability to spread disease and their resistance to many common control methods.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Pharaoh ants pose significant health risks, particularly in sensitive environments like hospitals where they can spread pathogens.
- Disease Transmission: Can spread bacteria and pathogens throughout a structure
- Food Contamination: Infest and contaminate food sources in homes and businesses
- Medical Facilities Risk: Known to infiltrate IV lines and sterile environments in hospitals
Property Damage
While not primarily structural pests, Pharaoh ants can cause various issues in Tennessee homes.
- Wall Void Infestations: Can establish colonies inside walls, making elimination difficult
- Electrical Equipment: May nest in electrical equipment, potentially causing malfunctions
- Multiple Colony Development: Their ability to split colonies when disturbed can lead to widespread infestations
Where to Look for Pharaoh Ants in Your Home
Pharaoh ants typically enter homes through tiny cracks around windows, doors, and through holes in window screens. They prefer warm, protected areas near food and moisture sources.- Inside wall voids
- Inside furniture
- Under floors
- In closets
- Around electrical outlets and switch plates
- Near water pipes and heat sources
- In kitchen pantries and around food dishes
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when dealing with Pharaoh ants due to their colony-splitting behavior. If you notice small yellowish ants trailing in your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas of your home, especially in large numbers, it’s time to call experts. DIY treatments often worsen the problem by causing colonies to split and spread throughout the structure. When multiple trails of tiny ants persist despite cleaning efforts, or when they appear in areas where food is prepared or stored, professional help is essential.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Our expert technicians at U.S. Pest will conduct a thorough inspection to identify Pharaoh ant colonies and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that eliminates them completely. Don’t let these persistent pests take over your Tennessee home—trust our experienced professionals to protect what matters most.
