Pharaoh ants

What do pharaoh ants look like?

Pharaoh ants are a small species of ant with workers growing to about 1/16 of an inch in length. Queens are slightly larger in size, growing to 1/8 of an inch in length. Pharaoh ant workers are pale red to yellow-brown; their abdomens are usually darker than the rest of the body and can have red or black markings on it. Queens are darker in color than the workers.

Where are pharaoh ants found?

Pharaoh ants are not your typical nuisance species of household ants. These ants are found living and nesting inside Quad City businesses and homes more than outside. They often invade houses, food processing facilities, grocery stores, hotels, and hospitals. They are of particular concern in hospitals because they have been found in patient wounds and IV bags, and have the ability to transmit a variety of dangerous bacteria as they travel.

Inside, these ants nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Common nesting sites include inside wall voids, behind baseboards, in furniture, under floors, and even between linens. They will move inside and between homes and other buildings using electrical wires and cables as their own personal highway system.

If pharaoh ants do create a nest outside, they will do so in a shaded area or underneath piles of organic debris.

Also, if they sense chemicals or are disturbed, they can quickly form new nests by “budding”. One queen, a few adults, and some pre-adults can migrate from the original colony to start a new nesting site and colony.

What do pharaoh ants eat?

Pharaoh ants are not picky when it comes to their diet. Basically, if it is in front of them, they are going to eat it. Pharaoh ants tend to swarm together on the foods that they come across. Outside, pharaoh ants tend to feed on other dead insects. Inside homes and businesses they like to feed on meats, nuts, cheese, bread, grease, pet food and other proteins, sweets, and oils.

Contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators! We Are Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

DIY pharaoh ant prevention and control tips

There are several steps that you can take to help prevent pharaoh ants from being attracted to and gaining entrance inside your home or business. Make sure that firewood piles are stored up off the ground and away from your home. Outside trash cans should have locking lids on them and be stored a good distance away from the outside of your property. To stop pharaoh ants from getting inside, seal cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation, caulk gaps around windows and doors, and seal the spaces found around pipes, utility lines, and wires that enter your home. It is also a good idea to reduce areas of high humidity in your property by using dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners.

Professional pharaoh ant control

If you’re concerned about pharaoh ants in your home or business, our ant control professionals have experience dealing with pharaoh ants and will use their training and experience to resolve infestations in your structure(s). For more information about our residential or commercial pest control services, that target pharaoh ants, please contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators today.

Why Choose Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators?

  • A Category of One
    There are plenty of pest control companies out there, but there is only one pest eliminator. We don't want to control the pests in your home or business, we want them gone forever. Call us today to get rid of your pest problem for the last time!
  • Guaranteed Service
    Our local, family-owned pest control company is committed to friendly service, effective solutions, and 100% customer satisfaction! If you need pest control in Central Illinois and the Quad Cities, we are ready to help!
  • Effective Solutions
    For over 95 years, Quik-Kill has been perfecting our craft and developing our skills to deliver the best results! Our services include residential pest control, rodent control, mosquito control, and more!
  • Sudden Service
    We understand how important dependable service is to you, and we make every effort to respond to your pest problems quickly! How soon can your tech come out? Contact us to get started!

Connect with Us Request a Free Estimate

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
    "Fantastic!"
    This service is wonderful. They are very professional and courteous. They are on time, share insect knowledge and helpful tips. They even helped eliminate a bee hive that seemed to have popped up from nowhere!
    - Nancy L.
    "Highly recommend them!"
    Had problems with spiders. Our house was built in1905. After 1 application, we only found 1, months later. No more spiders! Very happy with their professionalism & knowledge of the pests they shared with us!
    - Lilly W.
    "Can Say Enough"
    Technician is very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions. He is very thorough and explains what he has done. I am very satisfied with him and hope he continues in this area.
    - Mary L.
    "No One Better!"
    I have used their services for over 7 years. They are courteous, professional, and very knowledgeable. I absolutely hate dealing with any type of bug or critter, and thanks to them, I don't have to.
    - Cookie F.
    "My service guy is Scott and he has been great!"
    Been using these guys for a couple years now and am very satisfied with their work. Nice people and all my bug problems are gone! Would definitely recommend quik kill to anyone having bug/pest issues!
    - Nick G.
FREE Inspection
Where We Service