Pharaoh Ants

Many people are experiencing issues with ants this time of year.  The most common type of ant I see while I’m out in the field are small reddish-brownish ants known as Pharoah ants.  Customers often misidentify these ants, by calling them fire ants.  Generally, the best way to treat ants is spraying, along with baiting areas where they are trailing.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that you have to be mindful of the type of ant you are treating for.  Some baits (granules, liquid etc) actually state on the label that they do not work for Pharaoh ants specifically.  Some people prefer to do their own intermittent ant treatments, seeing as after even a small amount of monsoon rain, it seems to bring the insects out.

I was at a commercial city job last week where the facility was doing their own baiting in between treatments.  They were using a store bought granular bait, but weren’t having the success they expected.  Turns out they were using an Amdro type “fire ant bait,” but they really needed to be utilizing something that targets Pharaoh ants.  After explaining this to the gentleman in charge, I treated with something that would target the right type of ant, and this took care of it.

Sometimes when we try to take care of bug problems ourselves, we go in blind, it’s always best to call a professional that can help guide you through treatment, and even perform the treatment for you!