Bug Identifier
Pharaoh Ant
Community identification

Pharaoh Ant

Monomorium pharaonis

Order & Family
Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size
1.5 to 2.0 mm (very small)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.