{"id":2452,"date":"2024-06-13T08:43:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T12:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avalancheextermination.ca\/blogue\/fourmis-pharaon-dans-la-maison-que-faire\/"},"modified":"2024-06-13T08:57:37","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T12:57:37","slug":"fourmis-pharaon-dans-la-maison-que-faire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avalancheextermination.ca\/en\/blog\/eliminate-pharaoh-ants-in-my-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Pharaoh Ants in the House: What Should You Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Really tiny, but hard to get rid of, <\/span>pharaoh ants<\/span><\/b> often infiltrate our homes looking for heat and food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover how to identify them, the risks associated with their presence, and the efficient ways to eliminate them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having ant problems?<\/span> Contact us for a free estimate<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pharaoh Ant: a Tiny Ant that Can Be Very Invasive!<\/h2>\n

The <\/span>pharaoh ant is really small<\/span><\/b>. The workers are only about 1.5\u202fmm to 2.5\u202fmm long, and the queen can grow up to 5\u202fmm long. Their colour goes from pale to reddish yellow.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the shape of their body that distinguishes them from pavement ants, which are also small and brown. Pharaoh ants have an <\/span>elongated body with a slightly darker abdomen<\/span><\/b>, contrasting with the paler thorax.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are an <\/span>extremely invasive ant species<\/span><\/b> that reproduces rapidly in homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ants that Travel in Single File<\/h3>\n

This <\/span>small, subtly coloured ant<\/span><\/b> can be difficult to spot. However, it is possible to notice the <\/span>visible paths<\/span><\/b> that pharaoh ants take as they walk one behind the other, in <\/span>single file<\/span><\/b>. In fact, they are following <\/span>chemical traces<\/span><\/b> left by other ants to show them the way between the food and the nest.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may see them mainly near a source of food in the house. They are especially fond of <\/span>foods that are sweet<\/span><\/b> or high in fat content.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Pharaon<\/p>\n

Pharaoh Ants in the House: What Are the Risks?<\/h2>\n

An infestation of pharaoh ants inside a home is a <\/span>significant nuisance<\/span><\/b>. This species is responsible for <\/span>damaging property<\/span><\/b> as well as for <\/span>spreading bacteria<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damage to Property<\/h3>\n

Even though pharaoh ants are not known for causing direct structural damages like termites or <\/span>carpenter ants<\/span><\/a> do, they can still inflict a certain degree of material damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

They have the surprising ability to infiltrate electronic devices and electrical junction boxes, which can cause short-circuits or power failures. A significant presence of pharaoh ants could also interfere with mechanical equipment and ventilation systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health Implications<\/h3>\n

When they invade homes, businesses, restaurants, hospitals or other premises where food is served, pharaoh ants become a <\/span>health hazard<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This species is known for <\/span>spreading pathogenic bacteria<\/span><\/b> like salmonella, staphylococcus or E. coli by crawling all over food or kitchen utensils.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does the Pharaoh Ant Sting?<\/h3>\n

Pharaoh ants do not sting<\/span><\/b>. Their stinger is atrophied and cannot pierce through human skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Do Pharaoh Ants Invade My House?<\/h2>\n

In Qu\u00e9bec, <\/span>pharaoh ants<\/span><\/a> only build their nests in heated buildings. So they usually establish themselves in homes or businesses where they can find heat, humidity, and food. It\u2019s not surprising their presence is quite widespread in urban areas, where buildings are the perfect environment for their proliferation.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are especially <\/span>attracted to food residue<\/span><\/b> on floors, counters, and pantries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Do They Build Their Nests?<\/h3>\n

These little ants are able to <\/span>reproduce fast<\/span><\/b>. Their colonies include several queens that continuously lay eggs and can also start up more colonies in different locations in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

They prefer <\/span>areas that are difficult to reach<\/span><\/b> and damp, like a bathroom. They build nests in hollow walls, beneath floors, behind baseboards, and in areas surrounding pipes and cables.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to these <\/span>strategic locations<\/span><\/b> near heat and humidity sources, colonies are free to grow out of sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Prevent an Infestation of Pharaoh Ants<\/h2>\n

Where pharaoh ants are concerned, prevention is much better than the cure. Here are a few preventive measures you can take to avoid finding yourself in the middle of an infestation:<\/span><\/p>\n