A Comprehensive Guide To Pharaoh Ants In New Jersey

What do pharaoh ants look like?

pharaoh ant colony in new jersey home searching for food

Adult pharaoh ants are pale red to yellowish brown in color (queens are darker in color than the workers), their abdomens are darker in color than the rest of their body.

These ants are very small; the reproductive queens (1/8th of an inch) are larger than the workers (1/16th of an inch). Pharaoh ants have a distinctive 12-segmented antenna that has a three-segmented club on the end of it.

Are pharaoh ants dangerous?

Pharaoh ants are more than just a nuisance pest, they are considered to be dangerous because they contaminate food sources and they have the ability to “bud”. Budding means that when the colony smells a toxic substance or is disturbed some of the workers and one queen will move away from the original colony and form a new colony of their own.

This can lead to several colonies being formed on your property or in your home or business. Pharaoh ants are particularly dangerous in hospital settings as they carry and transmit very serious diseases including salmonella and Streptococcus.

Why do I have a pharaoh ant problem?

Pharaoh ants prefer to nest indoors and move in and between buildings using electrical wires and cables. This type of ant nests in warm, humid areas that are close to food sources (i.e other insects, sweets, oils, and proteins). Potential nesting spots include behind appliances, behind walls voids, in basements, and in crawl spaces.

Can I control pharaoh ants?

Because of their ability to bud and create multiple nesting sites the best way to control pharaoh ants is with the help of a professional. At Arrow Pest Control. Our team is well-versed in identifying and controlling pharaoh ants in homes and commercial environments.

How do I make my property less attractive to house pharaoh ants?

When it comes to pharaoh ants, our recommendation is to make sure they can’t get in!

Caulk gaps found around windows and doors, seal openings found in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
Fill in any spaces found around wires and other utilities entering into your home.
Trim trees, bushes, shrubs, and other landscaping back away from the exterior of your home.
Eliminate potential food sources by cleaning up spills, cleaning behind appliances often, and storing garbage properly inside and out.

Testimonials

‟We have a quarterly service plan with Arrow. They are not only focused on addressing issues they put preventative measures in place to prevent issues from happening, like looking for and sealing the places where bugs can get into the home. The team are professional, friendly, thorough and provide details about every step of their process. We have had several different technicians over the last 2 years and each follows the same process and guidelines. Definitely recommend for treatment and prevention.”

Jared L.

Manalapan, NJ