The pharaoh ant is a tiny yellow indoor ant notorious in kitchens, hospitals, and commercial buildings — and infamous for splitting into new colonies when sprayed, which makes the wrong treatment spread it.

How to identify the Pharaoh Ant

Very small, about 1/16 inch, pale yellow to light brown, often noticed only as faint trails toward food and moisture.

Behavior & biology

Colonies have many queens and nest in warm, hidden voids — wall cavities, behind appliances, in wiring runs. Disturbance with sprays triggers “budding” into multiple new colonies.

Why Pharaoh Ants are a problem

It contaminates food and sterile areas, spreads through large buildings, and is capable of transmitting pathogens in healthcare settings — a serious concern where sanitation is critical.

Signs of an infestation

Faint trails of tiny yellow ants toward sweets, grease, and water, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and facilities, with numbers that grow after spraying.

How we handle Pharaoh Ants in the CSRA

Pharaoh ants require a bait-only program — never sprays, which make them worse. Our healthcare and commercial teams manage them correctly. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. Browse the full pest library.