Pharaoh Ant

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed in indoor environments, specifically nesting in wall voids, under floorboards, or behind baseboards in heated buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic omnivores; they feed on proteins, fats, and sugary liquids. Inside homes, they are attracted to syrups, jellies, and crumbs.

Behavior Patterns

They form large, multi-queen colonies and are known for 'budding,' where a group leaves to start a new colony if the original group is threatened. They are primarily nocturnal or active in dim light.

Risks & Benefits

Significant nuisance pest that can contaminate food; in healthcare settings, they are serious risks as they can mechanical vector pathogens like Salmonella and Streptococcus. They offer no notable benefits to indoor human ecosystems.

Identified on: 4/4/2026