Pharaoh Ant Control in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham
Pharaoh ants, originally a tropical species, are now found in almost every part of the world, including the North East of England. These tiny ants, measuring 1.5-2mm, are light brown or yellow and nearly transparent. Pharaoh ants are a major nuisance in buildings as they breed rapidly. With multiple queens in each colony laying hundreds of eggs, the colony can easily fragment into new colonies, making infestations spread quickly.
Why Choose PEST-SHIELD for Pharaoh Ant Control?
Pharaoh ants are notoriously difficult to control with traditional insecticides. This is because the ants tend to split their colonies into new nests if they detect insecticides, leading to even larger infestations. At PEST-SHIELD, our technicians use a specialised baiting technique designed to eliminate queens and stop reproduction within the nest.
Our method works because the bait allows the ants to return to the nest, feeding it to other ants and the queens. The bait is slow-acting, which ensures the whole colony is affected, including the developing ants and larvae.
Preparation for Pharaoh Ant Treatment
To ensure effective treatment, follow these steps:
- Do not disturb ant nests: Our technicians need to observe signs of ant activity to locate the nests.
- Remove food and water sources: This helps ensure the ants are drawn to the bait.
Aftercare Following Pharaoh Ant Treatment
Once treated, patience is key. The ants will remain active for several weeks as the bait works its way through the colony. During this period, it is vitally important to:
- Avoid using conventional insecticides: Sprays and powders will disrupt the baiting process by causing ants to split into new colonies.
- Do not kill or obstruct the ants: Allow them to feed on the bait and return to the nest.
How Our Pharaoh Ant Treatment Works
Our objective is to kill the queens, halting colony reproduction. We use a bait containing indoxacarb, a substance that is specifically designed to destroy developing ants in the nest, including queens. As the worker ants come into contact with the bait and return to the nest, they spread the poison to other ants and larvae, eventually eliminating the entire colony.
It is essential that all properties within a communal building are treated at the same time to prevent reinfestation.
The bait we use is not harmful to humans or pets—it only targets specific insects, including Pharaoh ants.
Key Facts About Pharaoh Ants
- Workers: Light brown or yellow, almost transparent, 1.5–2.0mm long, with a non-functional stinger used for generating pheromones.
- Males: About 3mm long, black, and winged, but they don’t fly.
- Queens: Dark red, 3.6–5.0mm long, winged, but they lose their wings after mating.
From egg to maturity, Pharaoh ants take about 38 to 45 days to develop, depending on the temperature and humidity. With multiple queens in each nest, they breed rapidly and can quickly overrun a building if not treated professionally.
For effective Pharaoh ant control in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and the surrounding areas, contact PEST-SHIELD today. Our eco-friendly and thorough treatment will help you eliminate these stubborn pests and prevent their return.