 Pharoah ants (the most commonly treated) are very small with well developed eyes. A female ant can produce at least 400 eggs during her lifespan. Ants live in colonies; a colony of ants can contain 300,000 members! Colonies often spread by members leaving the nest and settling somewhere else, causing an infestation.
Pharoah ants are found in houses, hotels, food shops and factories. Their feeding preferences include many types of foods as well as dead insects. They can also gnaw holes in many
different types of materials and can transmit a variety of diseases and infections, especially in hospitals.
Since their nests are so small, they can be found in many places including furniture, food stores and light fixtures. Ants enjoy warm areas and therefore are often found near pipework in bathrooms and kitchens.
Pharoah ants are often harder to treat due to their tendency to spread and there are various methods used to treat them, both with pesticides and without. A professional pest controller must always be called to prevent further infestation and recurrence. |
