What are Pharaoh Ants?

Pharaoh ants are tiny ants that measure only about 2 millimeters in length, making them one of the smallest household pests. Their bodies are light yellow to reddish with darker abdomens, and because of their size, they are often mistaken for grease ants or other small household ants. Unlike some species that live outdoors, pharaoh ants thrive indoors and build colonies in warm, humid environments. They are especially common in kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, and apartment buildings.

Signs of Pharaoh Ant Infestation

• Tiny yellow or reddish ants moving in trails along counters, baseboards, or electrical wires
• Ants nesting in hidden, warm spaces such as wall voids, light fixtures, or behind appliances
• Multiple colonies forming in one property since pharaoh ants frequently create satellite nests
• Persistent ant activity even after surface treatments are applied

Why They are a Problem

Pharaoh ants are one of the most difficult ant species to control. They spread quickly by forming satellite colonies whenever disturbed, a process known as budding. This means that using sprays or repellents often makes infestations worse by causing the colony to split. In addition, pharaoh ants are considered a public health risk because they can contaminate food, medical equipment, and sterile areas. In hospitals, they have been linked to the spread of bacteria such as Salmonella and Streptococcus.

Where Do They Come From?

Pharaoh ants prefer heated indoor environments and rarely survive outdoors in colder climates like British Columbia. They typically enter buildings through cracks, utility lines, and shared walls in multi-unit housing. Inside, they choose warm, humid, and hard-to-reach nesting sites such as wall voids, electrical outlets, insulation, and near plumbing. Because they can travel long distances through wall systems, an infestation often spreads from one apartment or unit to another.

How to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ants at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of pharaoh ants, it is important to know that standard DIY sprays often make the problem worse. However, there are some safe steps you can take to reduce activity:

• Place professional-grade ant bait stations in areas where ants are active so workers carry the bait back to the colony
• Keep food sealed and wipe counters frequently to reduce attractants
• Clean up spills promptly and store sugary foods in airtight containers
• Vacuum trails and dispose of the bag immediately to remove active ants
• Seal cracks and gaps where ants may be entering

These methods may reduce visible activity, but due to the ants’ ability to split colonies, complete control usually requires professional intervention.

Pharaoh Ants vs Other Small Ants

People often confuse pharaoh ants vs grease ants or other small household ants. The key differences are:

• Pharaoh ants are light yellow to reddish with dark abdomens, while pavement ants ants are darker brown to black.
• Pharaoh ants form massive colonies with multiple queens, while many small ant species have only one queen per colony.
• Pharaoh ants are more likely to infest hospitals, apartment complexes, and other large buildings because of their ability to spread rapidly.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we use specialized treatment methods that target pharaoh ant colonies without causing them to split. Our team identifies nesting sites, places targeted baits, and implements long-term prevention strategies tailored to your property. We also help seal entry points and provide advice on how to reduce conditions that attract ants. With our expertise, you can eliminate pharaoh ants effectively and prevent them from returning.