Did you know there are over 12,000 species of ants in the world? Of those 12,000, one particularly pesky one that we have to deal with here in Houston is the Pharaoh ant. Pharaoh ants derive their name from the idea that they were one of the plagues set upon Egypt. Whether that is true or not doesn’t matter much when they invade your home. These persistent little pests are known to create large, expansive colonies that spread throughout wherever they infest. Moreover, they can spread diseases and pathogens by contaminating your food, countertops, and floors.
While it might not be a plague, having these ants in your Houston home is no stroll in the park either. That is why you should take the necessary precautions to keep them out of your home; you and your family’s health could depend on it.
Identifying Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants have segmented bodies that are generally a pale-yellow color, though they can also be reddish and have black abdomens. They grow to be 1/16th of an inch in length. They have six legs and two antennae.
Pharaoh ants are often found in humid areas where there is easy access to food and water such as under kitchen sinks, within walls, or in furniture. They eat sweets, oils, and proteins, so there are many foods in your cupboards that might attract pharaoh ants.
What Threats Do Pharaoh Ants Pose?
Pharaoh ants are known to spread numerous diseases and pathogens. Among them are salmonella and streptococcus. They can contaminate any food that’s been left out (or is improperly stored) along with countertops, dishes, and any other surface on which they crawl.
Along with spreading diseases and pathogens, the unfortunate thing about pharaoh ants is that they are extremely hard to get rid of completely. This is because they create massive colonies. If these colonies are disturbed, the ants will break off and form new colonies, making your problem worse. For this reason, dealing with pharaoh ant infestations on your own can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention Tips
When it comes to preventing pharaoh ants, your goal should be to eliminate any points of entry through which they may come into your home, as well as any food or water sources that might attract them.
To prevent pharaoh ants:
- Seal cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Fill in holes around external pipes and vents.
- Seal cracks around window and door frames.
- Use screens in doors and windows.
- Use door sweeps under external doors.
- Do not leave food out on the counter or dirty dishes in the sink.
- Wipe up spills from counters or floors immediately.
- Store all food in tightly-sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
- Store trash in tightly-sealed containers.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures in your home.
- Store firewood away from the exterior of your home.
If you are able to accomplish these tasks, you should greatly reduce your risk of having a pharaoh ant infestation in your home.
How To Get Rid Of Pharaoh Ants
If you have a pharaoh ant infestation, don’t waste your time and money trying to eliminate it yourself. Call the trained pest professionals here at Romney Pest Control. Given all the downsides to pharaoh ant infestations, why risk it? Here at Romney Pest Control, we have the experience as well as the expertise to properly and effectively remove any pharaoh infestation you might be dealing with. In addition to this, we will work with you to take the proper steps so that you are protected from future infestations.
If pharaoh ants are invading your home, give Romney Pest Control a call today.
