No one creature can be truly singled out as chief among all pests, but these backyard insects more than live up to their name as ‘kings’ of the ant world.
Pharaoh ants are a plentiful and surprisingly dangerous species of ant here in Tulsa. Although the exact origin of the name is not known, it is suspected that it comes from a mistaken association with the Biblical plagues of Egypt. These common Oklahoma residents measure no more than 2 millimeters in total length, making them one of the smaller ant species of the Midwestern backyard. Each Pharaoh ant colony hosts many queens capable of producing 4-12 eggs per batch. When disturbed, the colonies simply pack up and move, allowing the same group of Pharaoh ants to survive and thrive in your lawn for years at a time.
The problems Pharaoh ants cause in homes and businesses are numerous and quite serious in nature.
Food contamination is possible when ants chew into sealed packages. Contamination is a serious threat in healthcare or hospital settings, as sterile environments and equipment are traced with bacteria.
Pharaoh ants gnaw holes in certain types of manufactured materials, including silks, rayon, and rubber substances. This becomes particularly destructive in a short period of time.
Pharaoh ants may not be able to bite, but their spread of disease is quite dangerous. These insects are capable of spreading over 12 unique types of pathogens, including dysentery, salmonella, and even some strains of strep throat.
To make matters worse, Pharaoh ant colonies spread through budding, meaning that a small group of workers and a queen will separate from the original colony in order to start their own. This easy spread of colonies makes getting rid of Pharaoh ants extremely difficult.
Preventing Pharaoh Ants Around your Tulsa Home
The best methods of preventing Pharaoh ants from infiltrating your home or lawn begins by reducing or eliminating the factors that attract them the most.
- Pharaoh ants are attracted to foods that are high in sugar or fat content, including peanut butter, honey, and even some dead insects. Clean eating areas often and wash dirty dishes frequently.
- Pharaoh ants are a tropical pest that require a high level of moisture to survive. Use a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels in problem rooms, and fix leaky faucets or clogged drains.
- Pharaoh ants should not be permitted to enter the house under any circumstances. Patch and caulk damaged floors and walls and take great care to repair broken window and door screens.
Pharaoh ants have a reputation for being difficult and aggravating pests to dispose of, and for good reason. If ants have avoided your prevention methods and have begun to appear around the inside and outside of the home, schedule a no-obligation home inspection to receive comprehensive information about the extent of your infestation.
Let Montgomery Exterminating Manage Your Ant Problem
Pharaoh ants are frustrating pests for many reasons, creating difficult infestations that may take a considerable amount of time to remove. Because of the unique dangers and potential for health concerns, it is not recommended to attempt eliminating Pharaoh ants on your own. If Pharaoh ants have made an appearance on your lawn, don’t try to DIY. Instead, contact Montgomery Exterminating immediately, using our long-term experience and professional products to quell your infestation at the first sign of a problem.
Chat with us online to connect with a helpful service agent, or call our office directly for expedited service. For 25 years and counting, Montgomery Exterminating is proud to be one of the most skilled pest control experts of Pharaoh ant elimination.
