Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis)

How to Identify Them

Pharaoh ants are very small and yellowish, so they're easy to miss until they trail across a counter. They have two nodes between the thorax and abdomen, and the abdomen is often a bit darker. They move steadily in trails along edges, cords and pipes.

Common look-alikes:

• Ghost ant: dark head and thorax with a pale abdomen.
• Thief ant: similarly tiny and yellow; often requires a professional to tell apart.

Signs of an Infestation

• Trails of tiny yellow ants along countertops, baseboards and plumbing
• Ants in sugar, syrups, pet food or greasy surfaces
• Ants in bathrooms around sinks and toilets
• Ants spreading to new rooms after spraying
• Activity reported in neighboring units

Prevention Tips

• Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills quickly.
• Seal gaps around pipes, outlets and baseboards.
• Fix leaks and reduce moisture.
• Avoid repellent sprays and wipes on trails.
• Let building management know if neighbors have ants too.

Pharaoh Ants in Multi-unit Buildings

Pharaoh ants are a classic shared-building problem. Colonies don't respect unit lines, and ants travel easily through plumbing chases, electrical conduits and the space behind cabinets. That's why one unit can be treated successfully and then see ants return from next door. If you live in a condo, townhouse or apartment, it helps to ask neighbors whether they've seen tiny yellow ants and to let your association or management know. When possible, coordinating treatment across connected units gives the best and longest-lasting results. We're happy to talk with your building manager about what we're seeing in your home.