How to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ants
A tiny, pale yellow ant that nests in warm, hidden spots inside walls, cabinets and appliances. Colonies split into new nests when disturbed, which makes them hard to control. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and in the bathroom, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Use slow-acting baits only, because sprays cause colonies to split
- Place many small bait stations along every trail
- Call a professional for large or multi-unit infestations
They don't bite, but in hospitals and kitchens they can carry bacteria onto clean surfaces.
Confirm you have Pharaoh ants
Correct identification matters, because the right fix for Pharaoh ants differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in) and are usually yellow and tan. Look for these features:
- Very small, light yellow to amber body with a darker abdomen
- Two-node waist and a three-segment antennal club
- Trails along plumbing, outlets and baseboards
They are most often confused with red imported fire ant, odorous house ant and little black ant. See the full Pharaoh ant profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh Ants are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: kitchen and bathroom.
Step-by-step: getting rid of Pharaoh ants
Step 1: Use slow-acting baits only
Use slow-acting baits only, because sprays cause colonies to split. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 2: Place many small bait stations along every trail
Place many small bait stations along every trail. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 3: Call a professional for large or multi-unit infestations
Call a professional for large or multi-unit infestations. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see Pharaoh ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep Pharaoh ants from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
They don't bite, but in hospitals and kitchens they can carry bacteria onto clean surfaces.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About ants
The Pharaoh ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of Pharaoh ants?
Use slow-acting baits only, because sprays cause colonies to split. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are Pharaoh ants dangerous?
They don't bite, but in hospitals and kitchens they can carry bacteria onto clean surfaces.
When are Pharaoh ants most active?
Pharaoh Ants are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
What do Pharaoh ants look like?
Very small, light yellow to amber body with a darker abdomen. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in).