Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh Ants

The Pharaoh ant is a small ant, measuring from 1.5 to 2 mm (1/16th to 1/12th an inch) in size. The workers are all one size (monomorphic). The Pharaoh ants colour varies from golden yellow to reddish. Pharaoh ants originated in and derive from the tropics, meaning they can not survive outside in Canada year round.

Order/Family

Hymenoptera/Formicidae

Scientific Name

Monomorium Pharaonis

Biology

 

Females mate and procreate in the nest, and new colonies are formed by “budding.” Budding means that part of the main colony moves to a new location, and there can be up to hundreds of thousands of ants in one colony. 

A female produces 350-400 eggs in her lifetime. The entire life cycle is completed in 38 to 45 days. The life span of workers is approximately nine to ten weeks, and queens live four to twelve months.

 

Behaviour

 

Pharaoh ants nest in a wide variety of locations within a structure, and are very difficult to control and locate. However, it is useful to look near sources of water and food. They typically nest in warm, hard to reach areas such as walls, splash boards of kitchen counter tops and in wall sockets.

Pharaoh ants prefer meats or greases, but will also feed on sugar syrups and jellies.

 

Control

Pharaoh ants must be treated by using protein and sugar baits placed as close as possible to the nest areas. It is very important not to use any insecticide sprays or dusts as this will stress the colony – causing it to split and spread, and aggravating the problem.

Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?

Magical Pest Control is based in Toronto, but services Southern Ontario, from Niagara Falls to Ottawa. If you have a problem with Bed Bugs, Ants, Rodents, Birds, or any other pest please contact us.

Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are 1/16- 1/8-inches long and have lighter coloured legs with a dark body covered in stiff hairs. They have two small spines on the back portion of the thorax, and two nodes in their petioles.

Order/Family

Hymenoptera/Formicidae

Scientific Name

Tetramorium Caespitum

Biology

The developmental time (from egg to adult) is 36 to 63 days. Located indoors, the swarmers can emerge anytime. They emerge outdoors in June and July.

Behaviour

Pavement ants nest outdoors under flat stones, sidewalks, concrete slabs, along curbing, etc. They invade structures in search of food and are a particular problem in areas where slab-on-concrete construction is prevalent. When inside structures, they nest in walls, insulation, floors, and find their way to heat sources during the winter.

Control

Pavement ants are attracted to feeding on sweets. Sugary and protein-based baits are the best ways of ridding your home/building of them. Baits should be placed where ant trails have been established, and in locations where the ants have been sited. When nest cannot be located, a barrier spray treatment should be applied to foundations and the soil immediately adjacent to the building. This is effective in repelling foraging workers, as well as preventing them from re-entering the structure.

Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?

Magical Pest Control is based in Toronto, but services Southern Ontario, from Niagara Falls to Ottawa. If you have a problem with Ants, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Birds, or any other pest please contact us.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are the largest of all ant species, ranging from 1/8 to ½ inch long, with slightly larger sized queens. Carpenter ants are typically black in color, but some species can be found in red and black, solid red, or brown.

Order/Family

Hymenoptera

Scientific Name

Camponotus spp.

Biology

Adult winged females lose their wings soon after mating, and all worker carpenter ants are wingless. Mature colonies range in size from several thousand workers, up to 10,000 – 15,000. Black carpenter ants complete their life cycle in roughly 60 days.

Behaviour

Carpenter ants are social insects that are usually discovered nesting in wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but do excavate galleries for their nesting areas. Carpenter ants actively feed at night and the early morning hours, preferring to feed on sugar solutions.

Control

It is recommended that any decaying or piles of wood should be removed from the property. All food items should be stored in sealed containers. Any food spills should be cleaned up immediately. Because it is a difficult task to locate and provide treatment for carpenter ants, it is recommended to contact a pest control company to assist in eliminating this problem.


Need help with Pest Control or Extermination?

Magical Pest Control is based in Toronto, but services Southern Ontario, from Niagara Falls to Ottawa. If you have a problem with Ants, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Birds, or any other pest please contact us.