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Pharaoh Ant

Possible DIY
Pharaoh Ant

Identification

Tiny yellow to light brown ants, about 1/16 inch, common indoors year-round, especially in heated buildings. Colonies split easily when disturbed, making them notoriously difficult to control with contact sprays alone.

Can I DIY this?

Possible DIY

DIY is doable — with the right approach.

Minor cases respond well to DIY treatment, but this pest can get away from you. Follow the guide closely, and if you're still seeing activity after a full treatment cycle, it's time to bring in a pro.

Download PDF guide

Recommended products

Syngenta Advion Ant Gel, 4 x 30g tubesBait the trail — bait ONLY, never spray this speciesNisus Niban Granular Bait, 10 lbsGranular bait for attic, voids & exterior

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  1. Confirm pharaoh ants specifically — they're tiny (about 1/16"), pale yellow, and this matters because the standard fix for other ants can backfire here.
  2. Do not spray these with a contact insecticide. Pharaoh ant colonies respond to disturbance by "budding" — splitting into multiple new colonies — which makes spraying counterproductive.
  3. Use bait exclusively: both protein and sugar-based baits placed near trails, never sprayed or disturbed directly.
  4. Be patient — bait needs to be carried back through the colony's multiple queens, which can take several weeks longer than a typical ant treatment.
  5. Keep food sources sealed and crumbs cleaned up throughout treatment so bait stays their best option.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.