Pharaoh Ants
Monomorium pharaonis
Pharaoh ants are tiny indoor ants that nest in warm hidden voids. Unlike most nuisance ants, they do not originate outdoors—and incorrect treatment can cause colonies to split and spread. Identification matters because control strategy is fundamentally different.
What they look like
- Very small ants (typically 1.5–2 mm).
- Light yellow to reddish-brown coloration.
- Often appear almost translucent under certain lighting.
Size is the main cue—pharaoh ants are significantly smaller than most nuisance ants seen in Alberta homes.
Nesting and colony behavior
- Fully indoor species in Alberta climates.
- Nest in warm voids: wall cavities, behind cabinets, near plumbing, utility chases.
- Colonies contain multiple queens and can spread through budding.
Because colonies are distributed and multi-queened, elimination depends on colony-wide bait transfer—not surface treatment.
Where they’re commonly found
- Kitchens and bathrooms near warmth and moisture.
- Hospitals, care facilities, apartments, and multi-unit housing.
- Behind backsplashes, inside cabinet voids, and along plumbing runs.
- Warm electrical or mechanical chases.
Signs that matter
- Tiny ants appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, or warm utility areas.
- Persistent indoor activity regardless of season.
- Multiple small trails forming rather than one dominant trail.
- Infestation spreads or worsens after spraying.
Why spraying makes infestations worse
- Repellent sprays scatter workers and queens deeper into voids.
- Colonies respond by splitting (budding) into multiple nests.
- This increases spread and makes elimination slower and more complex.
Pharaoh ant control is bait-based. Surface spraying often delays resolution rather than helping it.
Common signs homeowners notice
- Tiny ants in bathrooms or kitchens that never seem to disappear.
- Ants emerging from outlets, cabinets, or wall seams.
- Activity persists even in winter.
- Infestation worsens after DIY treatment attempts.
Common misidentifications in Alberta
Field and pavement ants originate outdoors and typically form defined foraging trails. Pharaoh ants are smaller and nest entirely indoors.
Carpenter ants are much larger and associated with moisture-damaged wood. Pharaoh ants are tiny and tied to warm indoor voids instead.
What effective treatment looks like (high level)
- Confirm: identify species and nesting zones.
- Bait-based strategy targeting colony transfer.
- Avoid repellent sprays that trigger colony splitting.
- Monitor spread and activity decline over time.
- Seal access points once activity is resolved.
Successful elimination relies on patience and correct bait placement—not rapid knockdown.