Pharaoh ants. How do I get rid of them in my house? Are their bites dangerous?

Pharaoh ants, also known as Monomorium pharaonis, are small insects that can cause a lot of problems for residents of houses and flats all over the world. Although their name may suggest an exotic origin, these small insects have become a real nightmare for many households, adapting to life in a human environment. Their ability to spread quickly and nest in hard-to-reach places makes them a challenge for both urban and rural residents to control.

Pharaoh ants are a problem in houses and apartments for several reasons. First of all, they are omnivorous, which means that they can destroy our food supplies, which is not only annoying but also costly. Secondly, they can carry pathogenic bacteria, which is a health hazard for household members. In addition, their nests can be difficult to locate and remove, which means that their presence in the house often requires the intervention of specialists. For this reason, it is worth knowing what these insects look like, what the symptoms of their bites are, and what methods are most effective in controlling them.

Pharaoh’s ants – what do they look like?

Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are small insects that owe their name to the historical belief that they come from Egypt. They are synanthropic, which means that they live in close proximity to humans, taking advantage of the conditions that humans create.

Description of the appearance of pharaoh ants

• Size: Pharaoh ants are very small. Worker ants are only 1.5 to 2.5 millimetres long. Queens are slightly larger, measuring up to 4-5 millimetres, and males are about 3 millimetres long.
• Colour: The body of these insects is light yellow to reddish brown. The queens are usually darker, while the workers have a lighter, more yellowish colour.
• Distinctive features: One of the distinctive features of pharaoh ants is their antennae, which consist of twelve segments, with a distinct three-segmented club at the end. They also have two distinct segments on their abdomen.

Information about their origin and spread

Pharaoh ants are a cosmopolitan species, which means that they can be found all over the world. Their presence in Poland dates back to the 1950s, when they began to appear in residential buildings, especially in prefabricated concrete apartment blocks. Adapting to different environments has allowed them to spread to many countries, in both tropical and temperate climates.

Typical nesting sites in houses

Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid places to build their nests. In houses and flats, they are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, where food and water are easily available. They like to build their nests in wall crevices, under floors, around plumbing and in other hard-to-reach places. Hollow core slab buildings are the perfect environment for them because they offer numerous crevices and spaces in which they can hide and thrive.

Pharaoh ants – are they dangerous?

Despite their small size, pharaoh ants can pose a serious threat to residents and their property. Their presence in the house is associated with a number of problems, which are worth knowing in order to be able to effectively counter them.

General description of the dangers associated with the presence of pharaoh ants in the house

Pharaoh ants are omnivores, which means they can feed on almost any kind of food. They are particularly troublesome when they find their way into our kitchens and pantries, where they can contaminate food. Their small size allows them to easily penetrate even the smallest crevices, making it difficult to control their population at home.

Damage to food and potential transmission of bacteria

One of the main problems associated with pharaoh ants is their ability to contaminate food. As they move across different surfaces, they can transfer bacteria and other microorganisms that pose a risk to human health. Pharaoh’s ants are particularly fond of protein products and sugars, which is why they can often be found near open food packaging, in kitchen cupboards and on worktops. Food contamination can lead to food poisoning and other health problems.

Possible material damage

Pharaoh’s ants can also cause material damage. Although the insects themselves do not directly damage the building structure, their presence and activities can lead to damage. For example, their nests are often found in thermal insulation, electrical installations and wall cavities. This can lead to problems with installations and increase the risk of fire. Furthermore, the presence of ants can be particularly problematic in hospitals, where they can spread bacteria between patient rooms, increasing the risk of infection.

Pharaoh’s ants – a bite

Pharaoh’s ants are capable of biting humans, although their bites are not as common or as painful as the bites of some other insects. They bite mainly in self-defence or when they feel threatened. The bite is usually a small prick, which can be felt.

Symptoms of a bite

Symptoms of a pharaoh ant bite usually include

• Small, red marks on the skin at the site of the bite
• Slight swelling
• Itching and irritation
• In rare cases, localised pain may occur

Allergic reactions

Bites from pharaoh ants can sometimes lead to allergic reactions, especially in people who are sensitive to insect venom. Allergic reactions can include:

• Increased redness and swelling around the bite
• Severe itching
• Hives (red, itchy spots on the skin)
• In extreme cases, systemic reactions such as breathing difficulties, dizziness or swelling of the face and throat, requiring immediate medical intervention.

The composition of the venom (formic acid) and its effects on human health

Pharaoh’s ant venom contains formic acid, which is responsible for the pain and irritation after a bite. Formic acid is also present in the venom of other insects and is not usually dangerous to human health. However, in sensitive or allergic individuals, even small amounts of venom can cause more serious reactions.

Recommendations for relieving pain and discomfort after a bite

To relieve pain and discomfort after a pharaoh ant bite, it is recommended to:

1. Use gels to relieve insect bites: These products often contain pain-relieving and anti-itching ingredients that can provide relief.
2. Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses to the bite can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3. Avoid scratching: Scratching the bite can lead to infection and delay the healing process.
4. Antihistamines: In case of severe itching or allergic reactions, oral antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms.
5. Consult a doctor: If the bite symptoms are severe or do not go away, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Pharaoh ants – how to get rid of them from your house?

Pharaoh ants are extremely difficult to get rid of for several reasons. First of all, their colonies can be very numerous, and their nests are often hidden in hard-to-reach places, such as cracks in walls, floors or plumbing. Secondly, these ants are capable of creating multiple satellite nests, making it difficult to eliminate them completely. Thirdly, they are very resistant to some commonly used insecticides, making it necessary to use more complex methods.

Methods of locating nests

To effectively combat pharaoh ants, it is crucial to locate their nests. This can be done by observing the routes the ants take, especially towards food sources. It is particularly worth paying attention to warm and humid places such as kitchens, bathrooms, or areas around heating and plumbing systems. Specialised baits can also be helpful. The ants take these baits back to their nests, which allows them to be tracked.

Effective measures to combat ants

Combating pharaoh ants requires a combination of different methods to ensure effectiveness:

1. Lures and poisons: Lures are one of the most effective ways to control pharaoh ants. They contain nutrients mixed with poison, which the worker ants take back to the nest to feed to the queen and other ants. This makes it possible to destroy the entire colony. However, it is important to regularly replace the baits and use them in places where the ants are most active.
2. Insecticides: Specialised insecticides in the form of sprays, powders or gels can be effective in areas with high ant activity. However, it is important to remember that some ants may be resistant to them, so it is important to use products specifically designed to control pharaoh ants.

Professional pest control

In case of a serious infestation of pharaoh ants, the best solution may be to use the services of a professional pest control company. Specialists have advanced methods and means at their disposal that are not available to the average user. The process of pest control includes a thorough assessment of the size and location of the colony, the use of specialised agents, and monitoring of the effectiveness of the measures taken.

Professional pest control usually consists of several stages:

1. Inspection: A thorough check of the house to identify the places where ants are most active and the location of their nests.
2. Application of chemicals: Use of professional baits and insecticides that are more effective and long-lasting than those available in shops.
3. Monitoring: After the pest control, specialists monitor the situation to make sure that the ants have been successfully eradicated and that there is no re-infestation.

Home remedies for ants – are they effective?

In the fight against pharaoh ants, many people resort to various home remedies that are supposed to repel or eliminate these insects. Although some of these methods may be effective in reducing the number of ants in the short term, their long-term effectiveness is often limited.

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are one of the popular home remedies used to repel ants. They contain caffeine and other compounds that can disrupt the ants’ chemical communication. To use coffee grounds, scatter them in places where ants are most active. However, the effectiveness of this method is limited and the coffee grounds must be replaced frequently.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another remedy that is often recommended as a way to get rid of ants. It can be mixed with icing sugar and scattered in places where ants appear. In theory, the ants are supposed to consume the mixture and die as a result of a chemical reaction in their digestive system. Unfortunately, there is no solid scientific evidence that this method is effective against pharaoh ants.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus oil are often used as natural ant repellents. They work by masking the pheromones of the trails that ants use for navigation. To apply essential oils, you can dilute them in water and spray them where the ants appear. Although essential oils can temporarily repel ants, their effect is short-lived and requires regular application.

Evaluating the effectiveness of home remedies

While home remedies may offer temporary relief, they are usually not effective enough to completely eliminate pharaoh ants. These insects can nest in hard-to-reach places, and their colonies can be very numerous. Home remedies often only work on the surface, not reaching the source of the problem – the nests deep in the building.

Prevention recommendations

To minimise the risk of pharaoh ant infestation, it is worth implementing several preventive measures:

1. Cleanliness: Clean the kitchen and other food storage areas regularly. Pay particular attention to removing food leftovers and tightly closing food packaging.
2. Seal gaps: Seal any gaps and holes that could allow ants to enter your home.
3. Remove water sources: Make sure there are no leaks or standing water that could attract ants.
4. Regularly check: Regularly check your home for ants and act immediately if you find any.

Summary of the most important information

Although small, pharaoh ants can be a serious problem in homes and apartments. They are capable of contaminating food, transmitting bacteria and causing material damage. Their bites, although usually harmless, can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is difficult to get rid of these insects because they can hide in hard-to-reach places and create numerous nests. There are various methods of controlling pharaoh ants, from home remedies such as coffee grounds, baking soda and essential oils to more advanced chemical methods and professional pest control.

Recommendations for readers

To effectively deal with pharaoh ants, it is important to combine several methods:

• Regular cleaning of the house, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
• Sealing cracks and holes through which ants can enter the house.
• Use of baits and poisons that can help to destroy the colony.
• Implementation of preventive measures such as regular checks and removal of water sources.

Encouragement to use professional services in case of severe infestation

If pharaoh ants are still a problem despite the measures taken, it is worth considering hiring a professional pest control company. Professional pest controllers have the right tools and chemicals at their disposal, which are more effective than those available to the average user. Professional pest control includes a thorough assessment of the situation, localisation of the nests and the use of advanced control methods, which gives greater confidence that the problem will be solved permanently.

In conclusion, pharaoh ants are a nuisance pest that can affect the comfort and health of household members. Using the right control and prevention methods can help get rid of these insects from your home. In case of severe infestations, do not hesitate to seek help from professionals who will provide a comprehensive and lasting solution to the problem.