San Antonio, Texas, is the “Home of the Alamo”. We all know about the bravery of the outnumbered Texans who defended a Franciscan mission against a Mexican force numbering in the thousands. Though they held out 13 days against overwhelming odds, they could not hold back the swarming soldiers of Santa Anna’s army. When facing an infestation of Pharaoh ants, San Antonio residents can begin to feel just like those brave Texans - trapped and overrun.
The Secret Life Of Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants (also known as the sugar ant) are a small species measuring about 1/16” long. They are usually a pale yellowish to red color with a darker abdomen. They have six legs and 12-segmented antennae that end with a three-segmented club.
When inside a structure, Pharaoh ants typically nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Colonies tend to be large and range from a few dozen to several thousand, even up to several hundred thousand. Favorite nesting locations are commercial food handling establishments such as bakeries, factories, office buildings, grocery stores, hospitals, and hotels. In areas where syrups, fatty and oily foods, cakes, bread, and sweets are left out (even for a short time), the Pharaoh ant will lay a chemical trail from the food to their nest. Pharaoh ants can infest almost all areas of a building, even areas where food is not commonly found, by traversing telephone and electrical wires. One of the most frustrating things about these ants is their knack for building nests in hard-to-reach areas.
Some of these areas include:
- Behind baseboards
- Inside furniture
- Inside wall voids
- Under floors
While it may be hard to detect Pharaoh ants in hard-to-reach places, it's important to keep an eye out for signs of their presence.
Are Pharaoh Ants In San Antonio Dangerous?
Pharaoh ants spread over a dozen disease pathogens, some of which include salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They have a notorious reputation for causing problems in hospitals by infiltrating wounds and IV bottles. Pharaoh ants have even obtained moisture from the mouths of sleeping patients!
Another danger of these ants is their ability to establish multiple colonies in any structure they invade. When a colony is disturbed, or they feel that they need a change in scenery, Pharaoh ants can break off and establish multiple colonies throughout a structure. The long and the short of it is – colonies keep growing, and growing, and growing.
The Secret To Preventing Pharaoh Ants
Once on a quest for sources of moisture and food, Pharaoh ants will enter structures that offer them easy access. With some simple steps, property owners can initiate measures to help keep Pharaoh ants away.
Eight of the best prevention tips are as follows:
- Seal all possible points of entry like cracks and small openings.
- Install door sweeps.
- Ensure screens are in good repair and tight-fitting.
- Fix any standing water issues outside.
- Use dehumidifiers as needed.
- Keep both floors and counters clean from crumbs.
- Use airtight containers to store food.
- Store garbage in cans with tightly fitted lids.
While it may seem like a lot of work, using these methods to prevent Pharaoh ant infestations is far easier than trying to eliminate an infestation once it has started.
The Best Way To Treat Pharaoh Ant Infestations
The Pharaoh ant is a major indoor pest. Not only does it consume and spoil food, but it also has an astounding way of getting into things. Pharaoh ant colonies do not spread by swarming; they break apart and establish sub-colonies in new locations. Pharaoh ants are especially adept at surviving and even sub-colonizing, even more, when conventional pest control treatments are applied. With a pest as daunting as the Pharaoh ant, you need professional assistance from White Knight Pest Control.
At White Knight Pest Control, we are always ready to ride to your rescue! Dealing with colonies that can expand to several hundred thousand requires expertise and tenacity. Do not waste your time and money trying to fight these stubborn pests. Call White Knight Pest Control today to eradicate this crafty ant and guarantee an end to these fighters.