Pharaoh Ant Extermination in Laval & Greater Montreal
Pharaoh ant exterminators will be the first to tell you: this species is the most difficult to eliminate during an infestation. This is why it’s essential to get the help of pest control professionals in Laval and Greater Montreal if you think you have a pharaoh ant infestation problem. Below we provide some information on these ants and some advice from Elite Pest Control exterminators on how to prevent this type of infestation.
Before getting into pharaoh ant extermination, here’s why these intruders are harmful
The pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) is a non-aggressive species. Although each ant has a stinger, it is not strong enough to pierce human skin. However, these insect pests are still harmful to humans.
- Hospitals, hotels, grocery stores and restaurants dread the sight of these insects because they are very difficult to control.
- This species of ant is known for its transmission of pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella, streptococcus and staphylococcus.
- Hospitals and foster homes must be extra vigilant in preventing pharaoh ant infestations because of the risk of wound contamination. These ants can also contaminate food and dining rooms in homes and kitchens of commercial establishments.
How to identify pharaoh ants
Pharaoh ants are about 2 mm in size and yellow or light brown in colour. They can be identified by the two segments between their thorax (chest) and abdomen. Colonies are formed of three castes of ants: queens, winged males and workers, which are sterile.
Pharaoh ants are particularly difficult to exterminate because the colonies multiply by fragmenting. In fact, queens frequently leave their nests to develop new colonies. There is no hostility from one colony to another and there is also no competition for food. The grouping of several colonies in the same area sometimes gives the impression of a single gigantic nest.
Although this species is native to warm countries, it can be found everywhere in Quebec, especially in houses and heated buildings.
Signs of a pharaoh ant infestation
Queens will usually nest in warm places, near a source of water and food. They will also choose a spot where they aren’t likely to be disturbed: near a wall outlet, inside walls, behind baseboards, cabinets or shelves.
The inaccessibility of these areas makes it difficult to discover pharaoh ant nests and you might find one during renovation work. However, most people only suspect an infestation after seeing several ants moving in single file around their property or when they open a package of food that has been attacked by ants.
Our pest extermination technicians can accurately identify the species of intruder you are dealing with by looking for traces of ants along electrical wires, bathroom pipes and other hot, humid areas that these insects like to frequent.
Pharaoh ant extermination: what to avoid
Since pharaoh ants divide into several colonies and work in collaboration with each other, spraying a few of them with an all-purpose insecticide is not a good option. This will only encourage the multiplication of colonies and increase the ant population in your home or business.
Instead, we recommend:
- Inspecting your building for individual ants and satellite colonies
- Identifying the species of ants in your home
- Using government-approved products to eliminate colonies
- Blocking and caulking all access points by sealing cracks and holes
- Performing follow-up treatments
If you decide to use an insecticide and apply the treatment yourself, be sure to check with Health Canada to make sure it is safe. However, please note that due to the persistence of pharaoh ants, the best option is to use a company that specializes in insect control. Our technicians will be happy to exterminate pharaoh ants for you!
Pharaoh ant control tips to prevent an infestation
Keep in mind that with the known persistence of pharaoh ant colonies, your best bet is to rely on an insect control company. Our Laval and Greater Montreal technicians will gladly do the work for you. Here’s how to keep them at bay:
- Empty trash cans and compost regularly
- Keep your kitchen garbage in a container with a lid
- Put unrefrigerated food in tightly closed containers
- Sweep floors and clean counters regularly
- Clean up spills immediately
- Do not leave dirty dishes on counters or in the sink
- Put soap in a sealed container and put the cap on your toothpaste (unlike other species, pharaoh ants eat these products)
Call today to schedule an inspection with one of our Laval or Greater Montreal technicians; you can rest assured that we will deal with the problem properly. At Elite Pest Control, we have more than 10 years of experience in ant control and we have the expertise and resources to eradicate an infestation.
