Pharaoh Ant
Scientific Name: Monomorium pharaonis
Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size: 1.5 to 2.0 mm (very small)

Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly kitchens and bathrooms where they seek moisture and warmth. They nest in wall voids, under floors, and behind baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Broad diet including fats, proteins, and sugars. They are known to feed on sweets, oils, and even dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Notable for their polydomous nature (multiple nests for one colony) and recruitment through chemical trails. They travel long distances from their nests along walls and baseboards.
Risks & Benefits
High risk as a major indoor pest; they are known for contaminating food and can spread bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and Streptococcus, especially in healthcare facilities.
Identified on: 4/11/2026