Pharaoh Ant (likely identification based on color and shape, though image is blurry)
Scientific Name: Monomorium pharaonis
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
Size: Workers are very small, approximately 1.5 to 2 mm (1/16 inch) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in heated buildings, particularly hospitals, hotels, and apartment complexes. They prefer warm, humid areas near food and moisture sources like kitchens and bathrooms.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous. They feed on a wide variety of foods including sweets (sugar, honey, jelly), fats (grease, butter), proteins (meats), and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
They form large colonies with multiple queens. When disturbed or treated with residual insecticides, colonies often split ('bud') into smaller sub-colonies, making them difficult to eradicate. They forage long distances using scent trails.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are a major nuisance pest that can contaminate food and sterile medical equipment. In hospitals, they can spread pathogens like Salmonella and Streptococcus. Benefits: As scavengers, they have a minor role in cleaning up organic debris in their native environment, but are largely considered pests indoors.
Identified on: 2/10/2026