Wondering why you’re spotting pharaoh ants in the kitchen? These tiny reddish-yellow ants may be small, but they’re notorious indoor pests. Known for rapid nest building and the ability to split off into new colonies when disturbed, they’re one of the toughest ants to eliminate once they get inside.
Pharaoh ants are about 1/16 of an inch long—no bigger than a sesame seed. They’re yellowish to reddish with pale abdomens, which makes them hard to see against light-colored surfaces. Their small size allows them to slip into cracks, behind walls, and inside cabinets with ease.
Kitchens provide everything pharaoh ants want: warmth, water, and easy access to food. They’re especially attracted to protein-rich foods, sweets, and greasy leftovers. If you’ve noticed tiny trails of ants around sinks, pantries, or pet bowls, there’s a good chance a pharaoh ants nest is hidden somewhere nearby.
It’s not just homes that deal with these pests. Pharaoh ants are a major issue in food establishments, rest homes, hospitals, and other buildings where they can quickly contaminate food and surfaces. Because of their ability to create new colonies through a process called “budding,” they can spread throughout entire complexes if not controlled properly.
While Pharaoh ants won’t sting you, they can still cause some serious problems. They’re carriers of germs and bacteria, which means they can contaminate food and surfaces. So, while they might not physically harm you, they can pose health risks, especially in kitchens or hospitals.
These ants prefer hidden spots that stay warm and humid. You might find their nests in:
Unlike some ants that stick to outdoor mounds, pharaoh ants nests are almost always indoors, making them much harder to eliminate.
Pharaoh ants are notorious indoor pests because of their unique survival strategy. When threatened, the colony doesn’t just move, it splits. That means a single DIY treatment can backfire, creating multiple new colonies scattered around your home or business.
Pharoah ants are not solitary, so you’ll likely see several at a time. They tend to scatter in small trails, often leading to spaces out of sight. Of course, this can describe other ants, so if you see any kind of ant activity in your home or business, contact a professional exterminator.
If you’ve seen pharaoh ants in your kitchen or commercial facility, it's time to call in professional help. At Four Seasons Pest Control, we specialize in eliminating pharaoh ants and keeping them from coming back. Our local pest control company provides home pest control services and commercial pest management services in our Virginia and North Carolina service areas. For the best protection against ants and other pests, we highly recommend signing up for year-round treatments!
Very nice and professional. Always happy with Four Seasons; their staff and technicians are always a pleasure. Thank you Josh and Four Seasons for your excellent service.
Christopher W.
Ringgold, VA
I have been a Four Seasons customer from the beginning. All of the service workers have been great over the years. Josh is friendly and answers my questions. I am pleased with his competence to rid my home of pests. Thank you, Josh!
Faye P.
Greensboro, NC
Four Seasons is an excellent company. They respond quickly to whatever your needs are and are willing to do anything necessary to handle your service requests. They have top notch people in the office and the field. I recommend Four Seasons highly.
John D.
Danville, VA
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