Pharaoh Ant

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in heated buildings such as hospitals, hotels, and homes; nests in wall voids, under flooring, and behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they feed on sweets, proteins, and fats, including sugar, syrup, grease, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for 'budding,' where a portion of the colony moves to a new location with a queen, making them difficult to control. They are persistent foragers that create chemical trails.

Risks & Benefits

Significant indoor pests. In hospitals, they can spread pathogens like Streptococcus. They cause structural nuisance but offer minor ecological benefits by scavenging organic waste.

Identified on: 5/28/2026