Pharaoh ants are small, yellow/red ants about 1/16" in length. Nests are found in wall voids, behind baseboards, inside refrigerator insulation, shower rods, electrical boxes, etc. Large colonies have up to 300,000 workers and many queens.

New colonies are formed by "budding". When a colony is too large or under stress, i.e., being treated with residual pesticides, the workers take some of the colony's brood (larvae & pupae) and move to new locations. Treating with sprays is similar to trying to extinguish a fire with gasoline.

Treatment:
Only baits should be used. Do not use sprays or dusts.