Pharaoh Ant Exterminator
Pharaoh ants are small, invasive insects that can cause many problems in homes and buildings. With their small size and ability to nestle in hard-to-reach places, it can be difficult to get rid of them in the event of an infestation. In Canada, these insects can be particularly harmful, especially in large cities where human habitats provide ideal living conditions for these insects. In this article, we go over causes of invasion and solutions to get rid of pharaoh ants.
How to recognize pharaoh ants?
Here are some characteristics to help recognize pharaoh ants:
- Size: These insects are very small, measuring about 1.5 to 2 mm long;
- Color: pale yellow to light brown;
- Body: The body of pharaoh ants is divided into three parts, namely the head, thorax and abdomen. Their thorax is diamond-shaped, while their abdomen is elongated;
- Antennae: these have 12 segments;
- Nesting: These insects tend to nest in warm, damp places, such as bathrooms, kitchens, air ducts and hollow walls;
- Behaviour: Pharaoh ants have a gregarious behavior, which means that they live in colonies and move in groups. They also have the ability to move quickly and can squeeze through tight spaces.
What causes a pharaoh ant infestation in a house?
Pharaoh ant infestations in homes can be caused by several factors, including:
- Food: Pharaoh ants are attracted to food sources, including sugary foods, fats, and proteins. If you don’t store food properly in your home, you risk an invasion.
- Humidity: these insects need a source of humidity to survive. Damp areas in your home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, air ducts and water pipes can attract them.
- Nests: Pharaoh ants tend to build nests in warm, moist places, such as hollow walls, cracks and crevices, air ducts, and spaces between appliances.
- Travel: These insects can be introduced into a home through objects such as grocery bags, boxes and clothing.
Practical and simple solutions to get rid of pharaoh ants in your home
Here are some practical and simple solutions to get rid of pharaoh ants in your home:
First, be sure to keep your home clean. Pharaoh ants are attracted to food crumbs and food residue. It is therefore important to regularly clean the surfaces of the kitchen and eliminating all food waste.
Second, seal cracks and holes. These insects can enter your home through small holes and cracks in walls, doors and windows. Seal them with putty or caulk to prevent invasion.
Finally, pharaoh ants hate the smell of certain natural products, such as white vinegar, lemon, baking soda and cayenne pepper. You can use these products to clean surfaces and floors in your home to deter them.