Pharaoh Ant

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in climate-controlled environments; nests in wall voids, under flooring, and behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on proteins (meats, insects), fats, and sweets (syrups, fruit).

Behavior Patterns

Forms large, multi-queen colonies. Known for 'budding,' where a subset of the colony splits off to form a new nest if the original is disturbed or stressed.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Major nuisance pest indoors; can contaminate food and is known to spread pathogens like Salmonella and Streptococcus in hospital settings. Benefit: Negligible in indoor environments.

Identified on: 2/17/2026