Pharaoh ant

Description:

"Pharoah Ants" can transmit multiple pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and Streptococcus making them a dangerous pest in hospitals, as they routinely make trails between unhygienic areas and medical equipment, sterile dressings, patients with wounds, etc. Non-repellant bait traps using chemicals such as boric acid and insect growth regulator are the most effective and simple methods of control. Repellants may cause a colony to bud off into multiple new colonies.

Habitat:

The Pharaoh ant is limited by cool climates, and relies upon humans for a suitable home in northern regions. This ant originates in the Old World tropics of Africa and has migrated to areas across the globe. This specimens are in a region of transition between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest.

Notes:

"Pharaoh Ants" have become a serious pest in hospitals, rest homes, apartment dwellings, hotels, grocery stores, food establishments and other buildings. They feed on a wide variety of foods including jellies, honey, shortening, peanut butter, corn syrup, fruit juices, baked goods, soft drinks, grease, dead insects, toothpaste and even shoe polish. They can also gnaw holes in silk, rayon and rubber goods. In the photo, it are gathered around cherry juice.